One of Bradford Council's most senior members looks set to face a confidence vote tomorrow.

The Telegraph & Argus understands the opposition Labour group is likely to call for Councillor Simon Cooke to step down as the Conservative-led authority's portfolio holder for regeneration and culture.

It follows Audit Commission criticism of how a £1.2 billion contract was handled - even though it blamed Council staff, not elected members.

The call is likely to be heard under a motion put forward by Labour group leader Councillor Ian Greenwood (Lab, Little Horton) asking the Council to note the report into the Asset Management Project. Coun Cooke, who had political responsibility for the controversial scheme, declined to comment on the possibility of a vote, describing it as 'tittle tattle and gossip'.

But Coun Greenwood said his group would consider the situation tonight. He added: "Clearly we are strongly of the opinion that councillors are at fault in this serious mess, particularly Coun Cooke as portfolio holder for regeneration.

"It would not be possible for me to say in advance what we are doing, but I will be recommending to the Labour group that we put forward an amendment to our motion."

If there is a vote of no confidence, Coun Cooke would not have to step down but his group leader, Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton (Con, Bingley Rural), could come under pressure to replace him.

But any vote would require support from other political groups including the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party. Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) said: "There are clearly some issues around whether the Council has confidence in the portfolio holder's ability to do the job."

Green group leader Councillor Martin Love (Green, Shipley) declined to comment.

Earlier this week Coun Cooke was criticised for not attending a Council committee which formally accepted the criticisms directed at the Council for its handling of the AMP.

Coun Cooke said he was meeting campaigners about the Gilpin Street cricket ground - a £3 million Regen 2000 project axed by Bradford Council last month.

The full Council meeting begins at 4pm tomorrow at City Hall and is open to the public.