THE leader of Calderdale Council was ousted last night after a vote of no confidence was passed amid claims that his Labour administration had failed to work with the other parties on the authority.

Councillor Tim Swift, who has led the Council since 2012, was removed from the leadership position by 24 votes to 22, after a motion put forward by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats was successful.

Conservative leader Stephen Baines has now taken over as leader of the Council in a move that will see a minority Tory administration working in conjunction with opposition councillors.

A statement from the parties said: “It has become clear that the Labour Group has no intention of honouring the assurances it gave in May 2014 that it would consult and work with the other parties represented on Calderdale Council."

It continued: "They are ignoring the views of the public of Calderdale and the wishes of the Council that were clearly set out at its budget-setting meeting in February.

“All the current opposition groups on the Council believe that the attitude and actions of the Labour cabinet are totally unacceptable, and that the public of Calderdale deserve better."

Labour cabinet decisions, such as going against a vote to reverse new evening parking charges, prompted the vote of no confidence.