LABOUR councillors have pledged to fight inflation- busting rises in allowances for Liberal Democrat leaders of Kirklees.

A 12.2% pay increase is being proposed for council leader Clr Kath Pinnock.

Deputy leader Clr John Smithson will get £24,975 and other Cabinet members £22,474.

A protest was being mounted at this afternoon's full council meeting.

Labour Clr Peter Sykes said: "Labour will be opposing these increases and pushing hard for the Lib Dems to channel more money into the public services.

"They must practise what they have been preaching. Let the Liberal Democrats prove they care about local people, pass on their suggested fat cat allowances and start investing properly in our services for older people."

He added: "These councillors wanting big money rises are the same Lib Dems who are cutting public services and closing old people's homes."

An independent panel brought in to review allowances is also recommending increases of around 3% for other councillors.

They will be the first rises for four years.

Clr Smithson said: "The people who have suggested this are the independent panel.

"They came forward with the recommendations and we have made no comment on them. It is up to the council to decide what to do," Clr Smithson added.

This afternoon's meeting was seeing British National Party councillor David Exley take his seat for the first time, after his by-election win in Heckmondwike last month.

Related stories and messageboards