The leadership of Bradford Council has this morning returned to Labour.

At City Hall this morning Labour's 39 councillors numbered enough to see Councillor Ian Greenwood voted in as Leader of the Council, a position he last held in 2000.

The 14-strong Liberal Democrat group abstained from voting, they had previously stipulated that a partnership with Labour would be feasible but it was suggested only with a change in the Labour group’s leadership.

The Conservative Group (which has 32 Councillors) is now the main opposition, their new leader Councillor Hawkesworth issued this statement:

“Today is a sad day for Bradford district.

 “Many of us can recall all too easily the damage done to the Council and the reputation of the district when the Labour Group last led the authority. 

“Over the last 10 years, the Conservatives have worked closely with the Liberal Democrats to turn things around.  “And whilst it has not been easy, real progress has been made. 

 “It is therefore hugely irresponsible for the Liberal Democrats to have taken what I regard as the cowardly decision to sit on their hands and allow Labour to return to the leadership of the Council.

”However, we are now going into opposition but we will be a responsible opposition, as always, in the best interests of local residents.”