Two opposing political figures are taking legal action against each other for defamation.

Bradford West MP George Galloway said he had started proceedings for defamation against senior Bradford Labour figure and former councillor Altaf Hussain.

The comments he alleges are slanderous came in a speech in Urdu which was being videoed.

Mr Galloway said: “No one objects to fair comment and the usual verbals between opponents in politics.”

But he said in this “fevered atmosphere, when assaults and attacks have occurred”, he could not allow the comments to go unchallenged.

However, Mr Hussain, father of the Council’s deputy leader Councillor Imran Hussain, said he was taking action against Mr Galloway.

Altaf Hussain said: “I can confirm I am taking legal action against George Galloway for defamatory remarks made against me.”