FAR-RIGHT BNP councillors have been blocked in their bid for a place on the influential governing bodies of schools.
The extremist politicians had been pushing for a share of seats as governors at schools in Calderdale.
But the concerned, Tory- led council has voted overwhelmingly to end the practice of allocating places on the boards of schools in the district to all political parties.
Instead of sharing places between the parties, a panel made up of councillors, church leaders, governors and trade union officials will now decide who should represent the council in schools.
Existing council governors whose terms of office come to an end will be re-appointed if they want to continue serving.
The BNP are now likely to go ahead with a new strategy to get power on the boards of schools.
It will ask members to seek selection as parent governors, although opponents hope their influence will be limited by the code of conduct they will have to sign.
The Calderdale Council Cabinet had originally proposed maintaining the status quo, but changed its mind.
The change of heart came after widespread concern over the possible influence and disruption the party might have in schools.
Liberal Democrat group leader Michael Taylor had predicted some governors would resign, rather than working with the BNP.
A Department for Education and Skills spokes- woman said: "The Government is committed to equality and diversity, and values the contributions that different communities bring to our schools.
"We believe in freedom of speech and belief for all. In exercising these freedoms, all school governors must comply with the laws of the land, including race relations laws."
