Ex-Kirklees leader wants Reform boss removed after ‘invading our country’ remark

The former leader of Kirklees Council is urging councillors to bring a vote of no-confidence against its current Reform leader, Councillor Sarah Wood.

Shabir Pandor’s call comes amid continuing unrest at Huddersfield Town Hall over an alleged social media post by Coun Tracy Clayton, which refers to immigrants as “third-world animals”.

Last week, Coun 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”.

A Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (Oct 6) descended into chaos after opposition members raised several questions on the subject, and was adjourned as a result.

When questioned by opposition members, Coun 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 Coun 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.

“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, Coun Sarah Wood.”

Councillor Wood was contacted for comment. Councillor Clayton is yet to comment on the alleged post.