The former leader of a council is urging councillors to bring a vote of no-confidence against its current Reform UK leader.
Shabir Pandor’s call comes amid continuing unrest at Huddersfield Town Hall over an alleged social media post by Cllr Tracy Clayton (Reform, Colne Valley East), which refers to immigrants as “third-world animals”.
Last week, Kirklees Council leader Councillor Sarah Wood told the press that while the language used in the post went “further” than she would have done, “Tracy raises an important point in the implied intent of her post”.
Earlier this week, a cabinet meeting descended into chaos after opposition members raised several questions on the subject, and was adjourned as a result.
The alleged post by Cllr Tracy Clayton (Image: LDRS)
When questioned by opposition members, Cllr Wood reiterated her stance and said she believes there are people who are “invading our country” and “bringing cultures from other areas of the world that are not aligned with British culture”.
Mr Pandor, who led the council from 2018 until his resignation in 2023, has since taken to social media to urge members to take action and submit a Motion of No-Confidence against Cllr Wood.
He wrote: “Leadership in Kirklees should be built on inclusion, unity and respect, not the mainstreaming of hate and division.
"When the leader of Kirklees Council defends dehumanising language and labels human beings as ‘invaders’, a line has been crossed that no one who cares about our communities can ignore.
Leader of Kirklees Council, Cllr Sarah Wood.
“Silence in the face of Islamophobia and racism is complicity.
"We need a council that builds bridges with and between communities, not one that fuels division.
“That’s why I am calling on all opposition councillors and their leaders to put politics aside and bring forward a ‘Motion of No-Confidence’ at the next full council meeting to replace the current leader of Kirklees, Cllr Sarah Wood.”
Councillor Wood was contacted for comment. Councillor Clayton is yet to comment on the alleged post.