A COUNCIL leader said a pledge to clean up political campaigning was “idealistic and unachievable”.
Clr Tim Swift was asked to sign a pledge to clean up local politics.
Chris Pearson, who stood for the Conservative party in a by-election, asked if the council would sign the Clean Campaign Pledge.
He asked councillors whether the “campaign tactics” were at odds with councillors needing to work together once elected.
But Clr Tim Swift said that while it was a positive idea it may have “unexpected consequences’’.
Clr Swift said at this week’s full council meeting: “People are capable of having open debate, disagreements and working together.
“This is a question for political parties not the full council.
“Certainly I’ll ask political groups if they want to respond and the Labour Party will have a discussion about it.”
He added that the “devil is in the detail” and questioned how practical it would be, adding: “It’s idealistic and unachievable and it could have unexpected consequences.
“Anyone who thinks about standing for public office should think carefully about what they say.”
The Clean Campaign Pledge is a vow by political parties during electioneering not to enter into dirty games, refrain from personal attacks and to make only honest and reasonable promises.
Mr Pearson said he’d had assurances the local Conservative party would sign the pledge.
Brighouse Independent Clr Colin Stout said he would sign the pledge.
