Kirklees Council retains its Cabinet system, sparking opposition claims of undemocratic practices and a coming challenge.
Last month, a ‘Change Kirklees’ campaign began. Opposition groups want a committee system. They think it would allow fair decision-making, and every councillor would have more involvement.
Labour disagreed, proposing a motion at a council meeting. They said a new system would be less clear and would not serve residents well.
Labour and Tory members voted, and the motion passed. The council keeps its Cabinet system, but campaigners are still working for change.
Councillor Andrew Cooper, who leads the Green group, said the campaign continues. Labour supports the current system, but Cooper said Kirklees still needs change.
Cooper stated their motion overrides no public petition. People want a referendum to change the system, and he wished they allowed debate on it.
Cooper says the current system is undemocratic because Labour makes all the decisions, despite vote share. He reiterated that a challenge is coming.
Councillor Jo Lawson, a Community Independent, thinks Labour is out of touch with residents. She says Labour avoided debate and feels they engaged in political posturing.
Many residents contacted Lawson, and she wants them to sign the petition. She spoke at group meetings, and residents support a referendum. They seek a vote on Kirklees Council’s governance.
A petition needs five percent of Kirklees voters, which equals around 17,000 signatures. This would start a referendum process, and the vote could happen in 2026.