Political tensions erupted once again at Kirklees Council after another dramatic meeting ended without the authority appointing a leader, leaving the council facing weeks of further uncertainty.
A heated session on Wednesday night saw councillors return to the chamber for a second attempt to break the political deadlock following last week’s failed Annual Council Meeting on 20 May.
But after hours of debate, tense exchanges and two unsuccessful ballots, Kirklees remains without a council leader, with no resolution now expected until at least 15 July unless an agreement is reached sooner.
The meeting began with a lengthy 90-minute question-and-answer session involving the two leadership candidates, Green Party leader Cllr Andrew Cooper and Reform UK leader Cllr Sarah Wood.
Councillors pressed both candidates on concerns surrounding stability, leadership and the future direction of the authority.
During questioning, Cllr Wood stated she did not “need to know everything in council” because there were 68 other councillors to work collaboratively with, while Cllr Cooper pointed to his long-standing political experience, reminding the chamber he was first elected in 1999.
Tensions rose further when repeated questions were asked about how either candidate could provide “confidence and stability” for the authority. Cllr Wood attempted to raise a point of order, arguing the questioning had become repetitive.
Cllr Cooper insisted his record “stood for itself” before Cllr Wood rose again to challenge proceedings.
The atmosphere inside the chamber became increasingly fractious as discussions turned to the ongoing political stalemate.
At one stage, Cllr Martyn Bolt rejected claims there had been “name-calling” during recent political negotiations, after Cllr Wood alleged there had been “fragmentation” and inappropriate behaviour during the mayor-making ceremony.
Two private ballots were eventually held, one for each leadership candidate.
Both Cllr Wood and Cllr Cooper received 29 votes in favour. However, Cllr Wood received 25 votes against and two abstentions, while
Cllr Cooper received 39 votes against, meaning neither secured enough support to become leader.
Scenes then descended further into chaos after Kirklees Independents Group Business Manager Ammar Anwar was filmed storming out of the council chamber while shouting could be heard behind him.
With no leader now in place, Kirklees Council faces another prolonged period of uncertainty, with the authority effectively remaining under the direction of its Chief Executive until councillors can agree on who should take control.
The next scheduled opportunity to resolve the leadership crisis is not expected until mid-July, more than a month away.
