00:00A councillor in Wakefield has resigned from the Labour Party, accusing colleagues of cutting off debate.
00:06Siobhan Saleem became the council's second youngest ever councillor in 2024.
00:12He told a council meeting he felt ignored after raising concerns about safeguarding and public spending.
00:19He backed a proposal calling for greater transparency, more meetings and wider speaking rights for councillors, which Labour members voted
00:27against.
00:28Mr Saleem said he could no longer stay in a group where scrutiny was discouraged.
00:33A Labour spokesperson said the council has robust procedures and welcomes challenge.
00:38He now plans to stand as an independent candidate in the May local elections.
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