THERE were calls last night for leader of Kirklees Council Mehboob Khan to resign over his stance on Freedom of Information requests.

A few people have defended his actions after the Examiner revealed the Labour councillor had been amending information sent out to the public as part of the FOI Act. But many others were critical.

Linthwaite man David Townend said: “Mehboob Khan has a lot to answer for, but we the council tax payers of Kirklees are mainly to blame – we keep voting for these characters and keeping them in power.”

S A Almaari said Clr Khan should have apologised and said: “It was with considerable dismay and disappointment that I read of Mr Khan’s actions in undermining efforts to obtain information on how our money is being spent by our representatives.

“I am sure I speak for many Kirklees residents who are grateful for the vigilance and outstanding commitment of Examiner staff in bringing this issue into the public domain.

“Mr Khan would perhaps have redeemed himself somewhat if he’d had the integrity to take responsibility for his actions and had he then given a simple apology.” Trevor Simpkins, from Lindley, called on Clr Khan to resign. He said: “What right does he have to withhold or amend public information? No right whatsoever.This public information has to be made available under an Act of Parliament, so why does Mr Khan think he has the right to restrict access to this information, surely in preventing access he is breaking at least the spirit of the law?”

One angry reader, who wanted to remain anonymous, said Clr Khan had no right to interfere with Freedom of Information requests. She said: “He should stand down or else be sacked.

“He’s interfering in what we as ordinary people have a right to know. It’s very good that the Examiner is looking into these things and exposing them.”

Stephen Knight, from Oakes, told the Examiner: “I think he should be thrown out, I just think it’s disgusting.”

Mr Graham Peckover, from Mirfield, also said: “He should give his notice in because it’s absolutely disgusting. It’s no good him explaining after the event because we can see through it.”

An angry anonymous reader also said Clr Khan should be sacked. She said: “What’s the point of having Freedom of Information if he’s going to doctor it? He said in the email about council tax – ‘this isn’t going out’ – who’s he to say that and what gives him the right? I think he should be sacked – it’s just not on.”

More readers commented on the Examiner website where some defended Clr Khan’s actions. Bailey said: “Read the article properly and you will see nothing is wrong. Questions we need to ask is how much of Kirklees council tax money is the Examiner using when consistently asking for FOI requests.”