Sheikh Ullah, 33, of Newsome has been selected as the Labour Party’s candidate to fight Greenhead in the May elections.

A vacancy was created when former Kirklees Council leader Mehboob Khan decided to step down, a year after moving to take up a job in London.

Mr Ullah, secretary of Newsome Labour branch, fought off challenges from more experienced candidates including former Kirklees councillor Gulfam Asif and Munir Ahmed, Dr Stefan Jungnitz, a retired college principal from Golcar and housing association boss, Munir Ahmed of Edgerton.

Clr Khan said: “Sheikh is passionate about getting involved in the community and is articulate and easy-going.

“He may even become council leader one day as Greenhead has spawned three former leaders – myself, Sir John Harman and Gary Dimmock.”

It’s nearly all change in Greenhead with Judith Hughes being deselected and replaced by Carole Pattison leaving Mohan Sokhal as the only surviving councillor.