The new leader elected for Kirklees Council’s Labor group

Kirklees’ Labor group has elected Carole Pattison, Cllr for Greenhead, as its new leader.

The decision was made at Labour’s Annual Meeting which took place last night (May 13). Councilor Pattison is to take over from Cathy Scott, who previously expressed her hope of continuing as group leader. It is understood Cllr Graham Turner was also a candidate for the role.

The position of deputy leader was also up for grabs as Cllr Paul Davies stepped down last night so he could focus more on his bid to become MP for Colne Valley. He replaces Cllr Moses Crook, who represents the Holme Valley South ward.

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While Cllr Pattison may have been elected to lead the Labor group, the LDRS understands that this does not mean she is automatically the leader of Kirklees Council. It will have to be voted on at next week’s annual Council meeting.

The new leader takes over after a tumultuous period for the group, down nine places from this time last year. Labor lost four seats in the last local elections, with five other councilors resigning since January over the party’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

However, the group is still the largest on the council, holding 30 of all 69 seats. It is not yet known whether the group plans to run the council as a minority administration or plans to form a coalition.

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