LABOUR councillors have hit out at being denied lead roles on scrutiny committees after losing control of Dudley Council.

Long-serving councillors told of their disgust at being refused chairmen and vice-chairmen roles on the committees which ensure major decisions are closely inspected, which have instead gone to UKIP members after the Conservatives seized control of the authority with a little help from the purple party.

Councillor Patrick Harley, the new Tory leader of the council, said of the decision: “I wanted to reward my own members and it was part of the deal with UKIP. If we didn't have UKIP and it was just Conservatives and Labour we would have given chairmen and vice-chairmen positions to Labour.”

Councillor Pete Lowe, the former Labour leader of the council, said: “When in the history of Dudley Council had the largest party been excluded from all the chairs and vice chairs of all committees?

“The opposition must have the right to bring issues to bear otherwise you're simply gagging 48 per cent of this council chamber. It's not good governance.”

And he warned it would lead to a “reciprocal agreement”, saying: “What is dished out in one year will be returned fully.

“I've always been of the opinion the opposition should have scrutiny chairs and vice chairs - that's mature politics and proper scrutiny to ensure all parties are involved.

“There will be a reciprocal agreement when this party takes control should this party take control next year.”

Cllr Harley accused Labour councillors of having been caught clock-watching in previous scrutiny meetings and he said: “The Labour Party had the chance to scrutinise last year and they absolutely blew it."

But he added: “When members want to call an issue in this side of the chamber doesn't have a problem with that.”

He said Labour councillor Ian Cooper, the former cabinet member responsible for children’s services, had been offered the chance to keep his cabinet post in the new Tory-led administration but “we didn’t have the courtesy of a response”.

Cllr Cooper suggested the offer wasn’t made in the correct fashion but cllr Harley responded: “I wrote to him saying we'd like to continue the cross party working. Do I have to send him a box of Milk Tray and roses?”