Wakefield Councillor accuses Labour of ‘cutting off debate’ as he quits party
Shabaan Saleem told a meeting he had been “ignored” by Wakefield Council’s controlling group after previously raising concerns on issues including safeguarding and public spending.
A councillor accused his Labour colleagues of ‘cutting off debate’ as he publicly resigned from the party.
Shabaan Saleem told a meeting he had been “ignored” by Wakefield Council’s controlling group after previously raising concerns on issues including safeguarding and public spending.
Coun Saleem’s outburst came as councillors debated motion calling for changes to the council’s constitution and procedural rules which were said to promote greater “transparency, accountability and public scrutiny.”
The motion, put forward by the Unity opposition group, also proposed an increase in the number of full council meetings held each year and for non-executive councillors to be allowed to speak at cabinet meetings.
Coun Saleem said: “I rise to speak in support of this motion because it’s what local democracy should be about – transparency, accountability, and the ability for councillors to raise concerns without fear of being sidelined or silenced.
“That’s why, today, I’m announcing I resign my Labour whip, I have resigned my membership earlier today.
“This council seems to want to cut off debates that are for the residents of Wakefield district.”
Coun Saleem became the council’s second youngest ever councillor in 2024, when the then 21-year-old he was elected to represent Wakefield South ward, winning the seat from the Conservatives by 58 votes.
He added: “It’s become clear to me that I can no longer remain in a political group where concerns are brushed aside, where scrutiny is discouraged and where internal dynamics take precedence over fairness.
“Over the past year I have raised legitimate issues on governance, conflict of interest, safeguarding and public spending.
“Too often, these concerns were minimised or ignored.
“I have also experienced behaviour that has made it difficult for me to carry out my role effectively, including limiting my participation, attempts at blocking me as a candidate and intrusive scrutiny of my community work on social media.
“These experiences reflect the kind of barriers this motion seeks to address.”
The motion was defeated after the majority of Labour councillors voted against it.
After the meeting, Coun Saleem told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he planned to stand as an independent candidate for Wakefield East at this year’s local elections, on May 7.
Following his election victory two years ago, Coun Saleem said: “I have consistently championed causes related to social justice and community well-being.
“From my background in the public sector and my core belief in prioritising the needs of individuals, I am guided by the principle of putting people first in all my decision-making processes.
“I know many people have lost trust in politics, and I know it’s important to restore that trust.
“We must work together to break down barriers to opportunities, and I want to be a role model for other young people.
“It is evident that young people and communities have faced disappointments for far too long, and it is time to address these issues.”