Bradford Council's ruling Conservative group has ousted its councillor responsible for the running of the district's schools.

Councillor Dale Smith, who is also Tory deputy leader, has been replaced by Councillor Colin Gill.

The shake-up has occurred only days after primary school league tables for 11-year-olds showed Bradford had slipped back to be the second-worst performer in the country.

Reacting to the decision to remove him as executive member for children's services and education, Coun Smith said: "While I am sorry to be losing my responsibilities for children's services and education, I would like to wish Colin well.

"I am looking forward to getting my teeth into some new challenges in the Council and to play my full part in helping leader Councillor Kris Hopkins and my other executive colleagues deliver for the district."

Coun Gill (Bingley) said: "I am looking forward to helping the district improve its educational performance right across the board and am confident I can do so.

"We have languished towards the bottom of league table after league table for far too long and we simply cannot afford to be there if we are to achieve our goals for our young people and the district as a whole.

"It will take time but, with some tough decisions, I know we can succeed."

Council leader Coun Hopkins, who has responsibility for nominating members of the executive, praised Coun Smith's efforts for the district's pupils.

"He had a very difficult task but faced it with his characteristic grit, determination and guile. I now look forward to working with him more closely than ever in his new role.

"I am delighted to have Colin on board. He knows the magnitude of the challenge but I believe he will quickly make his mark and help to turn things around in this most critical of policy areas."

There was also cross-party praise for Coun Smith.

But some leading councillors also believed he had been used as a scapegoat by the Tory group for the poor performance of primary schools throughout the district.

Labour group leader Coun Ian Greenwood said: "It seems to me that this is a panic response in a pathetic attempt to try to blame an individual who is known as a man of integrity and commitment - rather than the Conservative group taking full responsibility for their education policy over many years.

"The person who should be considering his position is Coun Hopkins."

Coun Phil Thornton (Lab, Windhill and Wrose), who is in charge of scrutinising Bradford's education services, said: "It is outrageous the way they have behaved towards him. This has got the ring of scapegoat about it "I have known Dale for some time and he is a man I respect. The Conservative group as a whole should be taking responsibility for what has happened."

Labour group education spokesman Coun Ralph Berry (Wibsey) said: "This is an unprecedented evasion of responsibility by Coun Hopkins.

"Dale Smith has been able to work with all parties but he has not been able to sort out the Serco mess.

"Dale Smith has been made a scapegoat."

Liberal Democrat education spokesman Coun David Ward (Idle and Thackley) said: "I think Coun Smith has done an exceptional job. His level of knowledge was second to none."

Bradford Council was today set to clear the agenda of the full council meeting to discuss the district's primary education results.

e-mail: dan.webber@bradford.newsquest.co.uk