Reform UK's Place elected Bradford Council leader

Reform UK councillor Stephen Place has been elected as the new leader of Bradford Council, after an earlier vote descended into political deadlock.

During the authority's first full meeting and AGM since this month's local elections, Place, a former police officer, failed to secure enough support across the council chamber during a first round of voting.

The deadlock forced proceedings to be adjourned for almost an hour while political group leaders held discussions behind closed doors.

When councillors returned, Place was elected leader in a second round of voting.

Place said: "It is a great honour to become leader of Bradford Council and I am delighted.

"We look forward to serving the people of the district and we will work hard with all stakeholders and partners across Bradford to ensure that Bradford is a prosperous, clean and safe place for all residents and businesses.

"My laser focus is on growing the economy and bringing in new and exciting business to the area."

Twenty-eight councillors, the full Reform cohort, voted in favour of him becoming leader, while all remaining councillors across the parties present abstained.

It means Place will lead the council despite his party not holding an overall majority on the authority, and with the backing of just a third of the chamber for his leadership.

Bradford Council has 90 seats, with three currently vacant ahead of a by-election in Idle and Thackley following the death of former Liberal Democrat leader Jeanette Sunderland.

The annual meeting marked a political reset after Labour lost control of the council after more than a decade, with Reform becoming the largest group.

The Conservatives now have 18 councillors, Labour 17, the Greens nine and the Your Bradford Independents Group 10. There are four Independents and one Liberal Democrat.

The chamber reflected the shift, with a large group of Reform councillors replacing Labour's previously dominant presence.

Conservative councillor Chris Herd was appointed Lord Mayor, saying he would act as a "unity mayor", adding he hoped to bring councillors together and make the authority "as good as possible".

He will serve alongside his wife, Lady Mayoress Linda Herd.

Conservative councillor Falak Ahmed was appointed Deputy Lord Mayor, serving with her husband Iftikhar as consort.

Reform won 29 seats, but Daniel Devaney now sits as an Independent after controversy over alleged social media posts.

Before the meeting Place confirmed Devaney would not be part of the Reform group.

Place has pledged to scrap the Clean Air Zone charge, review spending on projects and "get the city open for business".

He ruled out a formal coalition with the Conservatives, but said there would be a "spirit of friendship" in how the council was run.

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