Bradford’s political leaders have begun discussions which will determine who will take over as leader of the authority.

It follows Bradford Council leader Councillor Kris Hopkins taking up his seat as MP for Keighley following his election last week.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth was voted in as the Conservative group’s new leader earlier this week, while Councillors Ian Greenwood, and Jeanette Sunderland, have kept their group leadership posts for Labour and the Liberal Democrats respectively.

Labour made gains in the Council elections last week at the expense of the Conservatives, leaving it as the largest group with 39 seats, seven more than the Conservatives on 32.

But, much like the national picture, it is still short of a working majority. The two largest parties still need the backing of the Lib Dems’ 14 councillors to control the Council.

In the past the Conservatives have ruled with the support of Coun Sunderland’s group.

Coun Sunderland today told the Telegraph & Argus: “I have had informal discussions with both political leaders and we have been reviewing areas of commonality and looking at possible programmes. I hope to have more formal meetings with them both later this week.”

Coun Greenwood said: “I have had an initial conversation with Councillor Jeanette Sunderland but there are no conclusions at present.”

Coun Hawkesworth said: “I have spoken with the Lib Dem party and we are intending to have a meeting again next week.”

Negotiations are expected to continue until the annual Council meeting on Tuesday, May 25, when a new Council leader will be elected. Coun Hopkins will officially continue in the role until then.

Among other political appointments within the Council, Councillor Sher Khan (Little Horton) has been appointed the Labour group’s chief whip, while Councillor Riaz Ahmed (Bradford Moor) is the Liberal Democrat group’s deputy leader.