Fresh controversy broke out today over "vote for favours" allegations in Bradford Council.

The claims were made by former leading Labour councillor Shaukat Ahmed in a bombshell speech to Bradford's Trade Union Council.

He alleged his party had given out favours to community representatives in return for them delivering support from the public at elections.

External auditors KPMG are looking into the claims after being brought in by the Council's Tory Group.

Council leader Councillor Ian Greenwood says he does not accept that it is true.

But today Manningham Community Researcher Manawar Jan-Khan said: "The allegations made by Mr Ahmed raised many questions which need answering as soon as possible. Many local people have been denied access to the decision-making process in favour of so-called community leaders."

He said there was also great concern over how money such as Manningham's single regeneration budget award would be spent, and who would make the decisions.

But Mr Jan-Khan said Mr Ahmed - as a former councillor - should also accept some responsibility if actions had been detrimental to community interest. Councillor Greenwood said today: "Mr Ahmed has made allegations which appear at this moment to be unsubstantiated.

"No doubt the auditor will contact him when, as a responsible public figure, he will give any details.If he does, this must be investigated.

"If, however, he is unable to substantiate his comments he should withdraw them immediately and apologise to the people of Bradford."

Mr Ahmed says he is happy to talk to the auditors and will co-operate.

He dealt with the multi-million pound regeneration of Manningham and is former chairman of Manningham and Girlington Partnership Board. Mr Ahmed is founder and former chairman of Manningham Housing Association.

In his controversial speech, he said the Labour leadership had surrounded itself with a small "clique of cronies, boosting each others egos by mutual admiration".

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