Eventually a poll was taken on whether there should be a “head-to-head” vote, but this was narrowly defeated with Reform and the Conservatives voting against.<\/p>\n
The meeting continued with councillors working through the rest of the agenda, deciding on other topics such as the formation of committees.<\/p>\n
There was more confusion when councillors were called to decide on whether voting within the council would be proportional.<\/p>\n
Though traditionally no councillors vote against, 27 voted “no”, including the newly elected Deputy Mayor Lee Cliff.<\/p>\n
This led to further exchanges over which procedures were and were not understood by councillors.<\/p>\n
The vote was then re-taken, and all members voted “yes”.<\/p>\n
Eventually, still without a leader, the session concluded, with Reform UK immediately leaving for a group meeting.<\/p>\n
The election of a council leader was postponed until next Thursday.<\/p>\n
Reform UK is the largest party at Kirklees Council following the 7 May elections, with 29 out of the 69 seats, but falls short of a majority.<\/p>\n
The Greens have 12, Independents 11, Conservatives nine, Liberal Democrats five and Valley Independent Group three.<\/p>\n
The BBC has approached the Reform group for comment.<\/p>\n