Labour’s new leader – and the councillor expected to become the new leader of Bradford Council later this month – is David Green, it was confirmed tonight.

Councillor Green beat off competition from Michael Johnson (Tong) to take the helm of the 45-strong Labour group on the authority at their annual meeting. It follows former Council and group leader Ian Greenwood being ousted by Respect in last Thursday’s local elections.

Coun Green has more than 20 years experience on the Council and has represented Wibsey since 2004. He was himself re-elected last week, with a more than doubled majority. Prior to that he represented the old Odsal ward for 13 years.

He was also deputy leader of the group, before losing the position in a tight contest in 2008 to Councillor Imran Hussain, who was unopposed last night. For the past two years Coun Green has been the Council’s executive member in charge of regeneration.

Coun Green told the Telegraph & Argus it was an honour to be selected to lead the group and he hoped to be elected leader of the Council come the authority's annual meeting later this month.

See tomorrow's Telegraph & Argus for full story