A discussion on West Yorkshire’s proposed tram system, due to connect White Rose and Elland Road with the city centre, turned tense when a Councillor described what was being said in public about the plans as “dishonest.”
Mayor Tracy Brabin had been discussing the future of the mass transit system, which will include a line between Bradford and Leeds, at a meeting of West Yorkshire Combined Authority on Thursday. She spoke about the Government’s continued support for the proposal, despite an announcement before Christmas that trams are not likely to be running until the late 2030s.
But Wetherby Councillor Alan Lamb (Conservative) claimed what was being said by the Mayor and in a public document that went before the Authority was very different from the contents of a confidential document that had been given to members. Addressing Ms Brabin, He said:
“I would go as far as saying it was dishonest, some of the things that you said.”
Ms Brabin said she was “outraged” by the comment.
Shortly before Christmas WYCA revealed that following a peer review of the Mass Transit plans, the first trams would now not likely be running until the late 2030s, rather than the mid 2030s as originally planned. This was said to be down to the Government questioning WYCA’s decision to develop both the business case and planning for the routes at the same time, and the fear this was too “high risk.” It suggested a sequential approach should instead be adopted.
The agenda for the meeting included a public update the mass transit scheme, as well as a confidential document that contained the full details of the peer review.
The public report said: “Over recent months the relationship with Central Government has been strengthened to further enhance the delivery of Mass Transit in West Yorkshire.
“This was made evident during an announcement on 18 December 2025 where Government reaffirmed its commitment to Mass Transit in West Yorkshire,
“In the exchange of letters (Transport Minister) Lord Hendy committed the Government’s backing for West Yorkshire Mass Transit and pledged to look into ways to accelerate the programme in the coming years.
“A commitment was also made to consider adding Mass Transit onto the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio, further bolstering the schemes’ standing as an important infrastructure priority.
“An independent peer review was commissioned for the Mass Transit programme, which is part of the usual process for projects of this size and scale.
“As a result, an updated sequential timeline has been developed which aims to reduce risks and ensure that the project is put firmly on the path for successful delivery.”
Discussing the report at the meeting, Ms Brabin said:
“This project is central to economic growth. Our partnership with central government remains strong and secure.
“My commitment to spades in the ground by 2028 remains and Government has granted funding beyond 2032.”
She went on to speak positively about the future of mass transit, pointing out that Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently announced on live television that it would indeed be in the form of a tram system.
The meeting was then due to be adjourned so members could discuss the confidential documents.
Before that happened, Cllr Lamb said he wanted to say something in the public section of the meeting. He said:
“The paper and the presentation you have just given bear no correlation to the independent peer review – I would go as far as to say it was dishonest, some of the things you have just said.
“I think people need to see and understand what is in this paper and what the implications are, because mass transit is in peril.”
Ms Brabin interrupted and said:
“Councillor, I cannot allow you to continue if you are challenging me about honesty. I am absolutely outraged – outraged, that you have challenged my honesty.”
The Authority’s city solicitor Nikki Manpreet Kaur Deol told members that the exempt report was a peer review that involved the Authority and numerous Government bodies. She said:
“When you undertake a peer review it is really important that candid information can be expressed honestly in order for projects to progress and for changes to be made.”
She said the report included commercial and financial matters, and it was her legal opinion that the report be except from publication.
Mr Brabin said they were giving as many facts as were possible to give to the public. She said:
“If I could ask the councillor to retract your assumption about my honesty, I’ll give you a moment to do that.”
Cllr Lamb said:
“There is a fundamental disconnect between the tone and nature of the public paper, and what is in the private paper, to the point of being dishonest.”
Ms Brabin said:
“It was personal about my honesty.”
Cllr Lamb replied:
“I didn’t say you were dishonest Mayor, I don’t believe you’re dishonest, I believe what is presented in the paper – many members of the public would perceive as being dishonest, and I stand by that.”
Asked to make a statement to clarify what he meant, with Mrs Manpreet Kaur Deol saying:
“That clarity is quite important for the purposes of this public meeting.”
Cllr Lamb said:
“I’m happy to confirm that that was the intent (to say the report, and not Ms Brabin, was dishonest) if any other intent was implied that wasn’t my intention.”
Ms Brabin said:
“I’d encourage all members not to use this meeting ahead of local elections for electioneering.”
Ben Still, WYCA Chief Executive, said:
“The officers that drafted this paper don’t believe there has been any breach of honesty or integrity. Councillor you are entitled to your opinion, but it is just that – we believe we’ve acted in the fairest way possible.”
The meeting then went into a closed session while the confidential papers were discussed.
This post was written by Chris Young, Local Democracy Reporter
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