MP Greg Mulholland has demanded the city council's leader "consider his position" as the row between the two politicians intensified.

The Liberal Democrat MP said Coun Andrew Carter should think about handing over to "someone in touch with local communities".

Coun Carter last night hit back, accusing the Leeds North West MP of being "childish".

Mr Mulholland's attack follows two separate long-running spats between the politicians over the future of the Leeds Girls' High School site in Headingley and a decision to install a safety fence alongside the River Aire in Otley's Wharfemeadows Park.

Coun Carter infuriated Mr Mulholland when he cancelled a meeting in October about the future of the high school, which is merging with Leeds Grammar School at Alwoodley, and accused a local residents' action group of "blatant political bandstanding".

The group is campaigning for maximum community use of the site.

Mr Mulholland said: "He knows that the redevelopment of Leeds Girls' High School and the fence in Wharfemeadows Park have been handled very badly and he should have the decency to admit that and try to repair the damage done.

"He should consider standing aside and allow someone else to lead the council, someone in touch with local communities and someone who understands that leading Leeds City Council is about both serving and listening to people of the area."

Coun Carter yesterday said: "He knows full well that the decisions taken were taken in good faith and jointly with the then leader of the council, Coun Mark Harris. I am not prepared to enter into any further puerile and childish exchanges with Mr Mulholland. Isn't it time the spirit of Christmas descended on him?"

Leeds City Council website

Greg Mulholland's website