THE outgoing Keighley town mayor's casting vote was needed to break the deadlock in a tied vote to decide who Keighley's next mayor should be.

Councillors Fulzar Ahmed and Philip Shaw gained 14 votes each at last night's annual meeting of the town council.

The mayor for 2017/18, Cllr Mohammed Nazam, used his extra vote in favour of Cllr Ahmed, who has been a councillor for Spring Gardens and Utley ward since 2015.

Cllr Ahmed had earlier been put forward for the role by Cllr Peter Corkindale and seconded by Cllr John Kirby.

Cllr Ahmed said: "I was elected about three years ago with the sole intention of serving all people, and I want to be a mayor that brings all communities together."

Cllr Shaw was proposed by Cllr Kaneez Akthar and seconded by Cllr Anayat Mohammed.

Cllr Akthar said: "Cllr Shaw has the qualities which I feel are required for the coming year. He has already represented other people through his trade union work and I know he would represent the town in the best way possible."

Cllr Mohammed said: "We've had a hard time as a council and the outgoing mayor has sustained a lot of difficulties in taking us through a very turbulent period.

"We need someone with experience of diplomacy and building partnerships to take the council forward."

Speaking in support of his nomination, Cllr Shaw said he was aware some councillors were concerned about his position on the Labour party, but he stressed he would be there for everyone, not just his party.

After Cllr Nazam's casting vote secured him the post of new Keighley mayor, Cllr Ahmed said he felt "honoured and humbled" to have been chosen.

"I will try my best to uphold the dignity of this office," he added. "I know I have a challenging year ahead of me but with councillors' support I know I can overcome those challenges."

Before stepping down as mayor, Cllr Nazam conceded it had not been an easy year, but said he had enjoyed meeting so many volunteers and organisations which do such good work for Keighley behind the scenes.

Addressing his fellow councillors, he said: "I've tried to make the best decisions with the legal advice and information presented to me, and to do so in the interests of the council.

"If I've upset anyone in carrying out those decisions I ask their forgiveness."

The vote for deputy mayor was a less hard fought contest, with Cllr Peter Corkindale picking up 17 votes to rival contender Cllr Gulfraz Hussain's nine votes. There was one abstention.

Cllr Corkindale was proposed by Cllr John Kirby and seconded by Cllr Philip Shaw, while Cllr Hussain was put forward by Cllr Anayat Mohammed and seconded by Cllr Amjad Zaman.

Cllr Corkindale, who represents Oakworth ward, said: "People know who I am and what I stand for. I very rarely miss a meeting and as a retired person I can give a lot of commitment to the town council."

Cllr Hussain said: "I was elected in 2015, and although I have not attended some meetings for different reasons, I have still worked hard for my community and I am available to people all the time."

Controversy flared briefly following Cllr Corkindale's selection to be deputy mayor.

A number of councillors chose to leave the meeting before his formal declaration of acceptance of his office, triggering a sharp rebuke from Cllr Michael Westerman.

Cllr Westerman said: "I find it absolutely disgusting that councillors leave the chamber before the declaration of our new, incoming deputy mayor.

"I'd like it noted that this is showing disrespect to our democratically-elected deputy mayor."

Cllr Amjad Zaman countered that as this is the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, some councillors would have left to attend prayers.

"People may have a reason to leave, there's no need to make a big song and dance about it," he said.