The last few weeks have been very hectic on the political front in Kirklees. It’s only now that I can sit down and update my posts.

The dominant issue is still BSF although the deepening recesssion and the new budget round are coming up the agenda. At every council meeting we have had numerous delegations of parents, children, teachers, and other interested parties - some self motivated, and some ‘organised’ by politicians. The debate has centred on the plans to build a new, and expensive, school in the leader’s ward and proposals to close a school in a ward held by three Tories. It is clear that the Conservative group are split and seem unable to make a decision.

But equally the Labour party is all over the place. The local MP for Dewsbury is campaigning to ’save’ every school under threat whilst the Labour group leadership seem to have accepted that radical change is required.

The mooted vote of no confidence in the Tories has been delayed to allow further all party discussions to take place but it could now happen in the New Year.

 As further evidence of the damage being done the leader of the council has been referred to the standards committee for remarks made to a local head teacher and another Tory councillor is in hot water after accusing a group of other head teachers of manipulating the consultation process.

But at this time of year can I wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.