Otley’s MP is lodging a Freedom of Information request over secret talks that took place between the police and two local councils.

Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) spoke out a fortnight ago about – eventually fruitless – discussions that could have resulted in the police moving to the Civic Centre.

West Yorkshire Police responded by confirming it had held exploratory talks “months ago” with Leeds City Council, and then also Otley Town Council, about the possibility of relocating.

But the force said those negotiations had been abandoned – and that it was instead intending to consolidate its position at Otley Police Station.

Mr Mulholland, however, has blasted all three parties for not publicising the issue (which stayed confidential at the police’s request) – and accused the town council of “misleading” people.

He is now writing to Leeds City Council’s chief executive to demand that all of the correspondence, phone call logs and other communications about the subject are made public.

The Labour controlled town council has accused the MP of meddling to “an unprecedented degree” for party political reasons.

It also points out that a Liberal Democrat councillor, Councillor John Flinn (Lib Dem, Ashfield), is a member of Otley’s cross-party civic centre working group.