COUNCILLOR Val Slater, the deputy leader of Bradford Council and Bradford Labour Group, has confirmed she has resigned from her role. 

The announcement comes ahead of the Bradford Labour Group AGM, scheduled to take place tomorrow. 

Cllr Slater, who represents the Royds ward, is also the authority's portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, as she said it would be up to Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe as to whether she continued that role in her final year. 

Asked to confirm reports that she had resigned, Cllr Slater told the Telegraph & Argus: "Yes, that is the case. 

"I will not be standing in 2018, and that decision was made a couple of years ago. 

"This is my last year, so this is about succession planning, we need someone to step in now."

Asked about her role as portfolio holder, Cllr Slater said: "The leader will make that decision at or soon after the meeting tomorrow."

Cllr Slater said she did not wish to comment about possible challengers for her deputy leadership role, and whether that had impacted upon her decision to step down. 

It is understood she informed colleagues in the Labour party of her decision earlier today.