Leeds City Council announce new leadership team including trailblazer Salma Arif as first Muslim deputy leader

Labour has announced its senior leadership to run Leeds City Council for the coming year - including the council’s first Muslim deputy leader.

Coun Salma Arif, who represents Gipton and Harehills, was appointed deputy leader for the local authority as well as executive member for the economy.

The party lost overall control of Leeds City Council after gains were made in the local elections by Reform UK and the Greens.

No party holds more than 50 per cent of council seats, but Labour remains by far the biggest group with 47 of the city’s 99 councillors.

As a minority administration, Labour has now formed a new executive board made up of its own members, along with Conservative opposition leader Alan Lamb.

Arrangements for political control of the city were confirmed at the council’s annual meeting at Leeds Civic Hall.

Council leader James Lewis said: “This is the first meeting of a council that is in no overall control.

“It is something that happens in lots of councils in the country, even if it hasn’t happened in Leeds for a while.

“We are at the start of a journey about how we all work together going forward.”

The Conservatives are the second biggest party in Leeds, with 14 councillors, followed by the Greens with 11 and Reform UK with 10 councillors.

Mary Harland, who represents Kippax and Methley, was also made deputy leader and executive member for communities.

The other executive board appointments were:

• Mohammed Rafique, Chapel Allerton ward: executive member for resources;

• Peter Carlill, Calverley and Farsley: transport and planning;

• Helen Hayden, Temple Newsam: children and families

• Emma Flint, Weetwood: equalities, adults and health;

• Asghar Khan, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill: housing and hubs;

• James Gibson, Crossgates and Whinmoor: environment;

Meanwhile Labour’s Stephen Holroyd, who represents Ardsley and Robin Hood, was formerly elected as Lord Mayor.

He has replaced Alwoodley Conservative member Dan Cohen in the role.

Coun Holroyd and Simon Mapals will be the first openly gay couple to hold the office of Lord Mayor and Consort of Leeds.

Coun Holroyd said: “It’s a great privilege to hold this role and I’m looking forward to the year ahead.”

Coun Holroyd has named MESMAC and St Gemma’s Hospice as his chosen charities for the year.