Conservative councillors are due to take over leadership of the main council committees in Keighley.

In the wake of the May 4 elections, which left administration hung between the Labour and Conservative groups 'deals' are understood to have been struck between the Tories and Lib-Dems.

It is believed that Cllr Glen Miller ( Worth Valley) has been chosen to take the chairmanship of the Keighley area panel.

The Conservatives will also chair the planning committee. A senior role is expected to be given to Cllr Kris Hopkins (Worth Valley).

It was also confirmed that Bradford council has a new leader - Conservative Cllr Margaret Eaton. Cllr Eaton, Conservative party leader, replaces Ian Greenwood.

The original plan was for Labour to take three portfolios, Conservatives three and the Liberals one.

But it is believed the Labour group walked out of a meeting rejecting the offer leaving the Conservatives able to take the majority of the portfolios.

Ilkley Conservative councillor Anne Hawkesworth told the KN: "There was an offer on the table for an all-party administration which would have meant Labour, Conservatives and Liberals sharing a portfolio.

"But the Labour party refused. They are running away from the mess they have made and not helping other parties sort it out.

"It appears the Liberals see no alternative than to support Margaret Eaton as leader.

"There's no pact or agreement. We'll take each issue as it comes.

"But the group that's in control will be a minority."

But retiring leader Ian Greenwood says this was the result of a secret pact between the Tories and Liberals.

He adds: "They made an agreement to take control of the council.

"They want to run away from the consequences of their actions. It's clear that the Liberals have made her (Cllr Eaton) leader of the council and want to avoid that responsibility.

"When they talk about sharing portfolios they have to have a policy to run a council.

"The Tory party is the most right wing we've had in our generation - there's no way they're going to run a council.

"There's no consistency between the parties so they're going to blame the Labour party for the mess they'll make.

"It doesn't bode well for the district."

Cllr Hopkins was tightlipped about any future role he may have.

He says: "There's much to be settled yet. We wanted to work with the Labour group for the benefit of all but they just didn't want to take part.

"We are now putting our plans and people in place."

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