KIRKLEES Council’s deputy leader resigned last night.

Clr Ken Smith stepped down citing “political rather than personal” reasons.

The Ashbrow Labour man told the Examiner he had left his position after a “difficult” conversation with Kirklees leader Clr Mehboob Khan.

Speaking last night, Clr Smith said: “I have resigned as deputy leader, effective from today.

“All I can say is that it is not to do with any council policies.”

Asked if that meant he was resigning for personal reasons, he said: “I would say political rather than personal.”

Clr Smith informed Clr Khan of his decision to leave a week ago.

He said: “I gave Mehboob my notice by letter and we had a difficult conversation last Friday.”

Clr Smith, who has served as deputy leader since 2009, denied his resignation was related to him being stripped of responsibility for schools in Kirklees three months ago.

The Fixby man added: “I’ve been thinking about this for some weeks. I’m a very careful man, I don’t do anything rashly, I always take my time.

“Being deputy leader was never something I had ambitions to do. I only take on these jobs through a sense of duty.”

The former social worker will carry on as ward councillor for Ashbrow.

Clr Smith said: “I certainly won’t be a critic from the backbenches, I will be supporting my colleagues at a very difficult time.”

Clr Khan paid tribute to his former deputy last night.

“Ken has worked extremely hard for many years and he has been heavily involved in many key successes since becoming deputy leader,” he said.

“Ken is very experienced and knowledgeable and his contribution has been significant.”

Clr Khan said he has yet to decide who would take over as deputy council leader.

The Greenhead Labour man added: “That will be announced in due course and we will also have to appoint a new cabinet member.”

Clr Khan denied last night’s resignation showed there was a crisis within Labour.

“We’re completely united behind our vision for Kirklees,” he said.