Reform UK selects Bradford Council group leader

Reform UK has named Stephen Place as its group leader on Bradford Council.

The party took 29 of the 87 seats contested at last week's election to end Labour's control of the authority, but fell short of securing majority.

The Conservatives are the next biggest party in the council with 18 seats while Labour has been pushed into third with 17.

Place, who was elected in the Royds ward, said he was "delighted and honoured" to lead Reform in Bradford, adding: "We intend to work with as many partners and stakeholders as it takes to get this city open for business and ensure it is safe, clean and prosperous."

Despite being under no overall control, as the largest party Reform is likely to run Bradford Council through a coalition or minority administration.

A new council leader is due to be appointed at Tuesday's annual council meeting.

A Reform spokesperson said Place was "born and bred" in Allerton and went on to join the police cadets at 17 and served at Toller Lane and Tyrls police stations, followed by the mounted branch. He was on duty at the time of the Bradford City fire in May 1985.

The party said he went on to build "the country's largest training company, delivering modern apprenticeships in horse care, veterinary nursing, animal care and retail."

The remaining three seats on Bradford Council in the Idle and Thackley ward will be contested next month after voting was postponed following the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Jeanette Sunderland.

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