Bradford Council's former leader John Ryan clashed publicly with his successor for the first time today when he claimed Bradford was dragging its heels organising a new-look council.

But Councillor Ian Greenwood, who beat him to the top job last May, said work had begun on radical City Hall changes and they were likely to be innovative.

The two men spoke up following the Queen's speech, which included local government reforms, yesterday.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's White Paper provided models for councils to choose from, including Cabinet-style rule and the election by the public of powerful mayors.

Coun Ryan said many large authorities were now working ahead of the legislation on restructured councils - but Bradford was lagging behind.

And he called for an all-party cabinet, select committees, more power for area panels and sub-committees of backbenchers scrutinising decisions. And Coun Ryan wanted a standards committee to ensure probity of officers and councillors.

He also called for a referendum on an elected mayor at the end of 2002 to allow legislation to be brought in and the new Cabinet style council to prove itself.

Coun Greenwood said today he was amazed his predecessor had not spoken to him about the issues before his statement.

Bradford may come up with an innovative plan., he added.

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