Kirklees councillor resigns from group over 'personal conflicts' and 'hidden agendas'

Huddersfield Town Hall
-Credit: (Image: Tony Hisgett)


A councillor has left the Kirklees Community Independent (KCI) group amid claims of “personal conflicts” and “hidden agendas”.

Councillor Ammar Anwar (Dewsbury West) was one of the KCI's original members when it was formed in February. The group began as four ex-Labour members who had resigned from the Party, condemning its stance on the Israel-Hamas Conflict and the dynamics within the local Labour group.

Cllr Anwar initially took on the role of as the group’s business manager, but last week, he left the group, once again becoming an independent councillor in his own right.

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Announcing his resignation on social media, Councillor Anwar said: “As someone committed to public service and the wellbeing of those I represent, I find it increasingly difficult to align myself with a group whose leadership does not reflect the values of transparency, inclusiveness and innovation that are vital for progress…”

A further post from Cllr Anwar followed on Monday, October 21, with allegations of “personal conflicts”, “hidden agendas” and “undue external influence” from within the KCI group. He said: “Perhaps more troubling is the fact that within the KCI itself, personal egos and self-serving agendas have been allowed to supersede our collective mission.

Councillor Ammar Anwar
Councillor Ammar Anwar -Credit:Kirklees Council

"Instead of standing united for the great cause of Palestine, too many of you have allowed internal politics to divide and derail the organisation.

“I stepped away because I could no longer, in good conscience, be part of a group that prioritises individual interests over the pressing needs of the Palestinian people. The cause we claimed to serve deserves far more than petty infighting and backdoor dealings that have become all too common within KCI.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Jo Lawson (Crosland Moor and Netherton) has resigned from her role as leader of the group. She said: “I stepped down as group leader of KCI due to an increased workload. Balancing being a ward councillor, Chair of Health and Adult Social Care, and being a group leader was becoming increasingly difficult with the numbers of meetings I had to attend.

Clr Jo Lawson of Kirklees Council
Clr Jo Lawson of Kirklees Council -Credit:The Labour Party

“My number one priority will always be to my residents within Crosland Moor and Netherton and now I will have more time. Ali Arshad has stepped up and will be the interim Group Leader.”

With the departure of Cllr Anwar, the group is now made up of five members - Cllr Ali Arshad (Heckmondwike), Cllr Tanisha Bramwell (Dewsbury West), Cllr Imran Safdar (Crosland Moor and Netherton), Cllr Jo Lawson (Crosland Moor and Netherton) and Cllr Zahid Kahut (Batley West).

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