BRADFORD voters will play their part in Britain’s EU referendum today with record numbers expected at polling stations across the district.

So how will local political leaders vote, free to choose without having to toe party lines?

Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe (Lab, Windhill and Wrose) said: “I’ve already voted by post and I’ve voted Remain.

“For me it’s all about the economy and opportunity.

“Nearly a quarter of our population are under 16 and it’s important to me that they have the same opportunities I had growing up in Bradford.”

Councillor Simon Cooke (Con, Bingley Rural), leader of the Conservative group on Bradford Council, said: “I’m voting to leave the EU for one simple reason - democracy.

“Right now we can’t kick out the EU’s government.

“We can change our councillor. We can change our MP.

“But we can’t change the European Commission.”

Liberal Democrat leader on Bradford Council, Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Idle and Thackley) is voting In:

“I’m doing what’s best for my grandchildren.

“We have enjoyed peace and security for 60 years.

“The EU may not be perfect, it may be a bit lumpy, but talking to people is the best route to keeping things secure and why wouldn’t anyone want that?

“I’m concerned that if we leave, we end up looking inward and putting up barriers.”

Green Party leader Councillor Martin Love (Green, Shipley), said: “I am voting to remain in the EU as I value the social and environmental benefits, despite the imperfections in the organisation.

“The fact I or my children can travel, work or retire anywhere in the EU is a freedom worth celebrating, as is the peace between members since the formation of the union in a continent that had been divided by wars.”

Ukip chairman Jason Smith said: “Leave will allow the UK to regain its democracy and freedom from an unelected unaccountable EU.

“Leave will allow the UK to make law to protect its business, jobs and to control migration with a fair point’s based immigration system.

“Leave will give the UK £350million per week extra to spend on things people want, like our NHS.

“Leave for freedom and prosperity.”