Angela Clarke has taken her seat as the first town or parish councillor in the country to represent the British National Party. Councillor Clarke attended her first Keighley Town Council meeting following her win in the Guard House Ward election last month.

It brought an end to the political independence of the council since it was formed in 2002.

Although she did not speak at the meeting, Cllr Clarke wanted to put aside her political persuasions in order to work for the people of Guard House.

Town Mayor Cllr Allan Rhodes was disappointed that a political view had been brought to the council, but welcomed Cllr Clarke. He said: "Having spoken to Cllr Clarke, she said that she was here to represent the residents of Guard House and not to speak from any political persuasion."

Cllr Clarke was also elected on to Bradford Council in June, in the Keighley West Ward, which she will represent for four years.

A spokesman for the National Association for Local Councils, which represents every parish and town council in the country, said it did not hold a database of political allegiances of elected members to these councils. "But on an anecdotal basis, we have just been made aware of the situation with the BNP in Keighley Town Council and believe this to be a unique occurrence in England and Wales."