AN inquiry into the row which sparked political chaos at Blackburn with Darwen Council should make its findings public, its former leader insisted.

Sir Bill Taylor lost his seat in Audley during last month's elections and watched in horror as six Labour councillors defected within days, costing the party its council majority.

The rebel independents claimed they had been blamed for the loss of Coun Taylor's seat in a predominantly Asian area of Blackburn.

But they turned their backs on a coalition with the Tories and LibDems and five voted for a Labour administration at a full council meeting, even though they could still veto Labour policy in future.

Now the party has pledged to hold an inquiry into the executive board selection meeting which sparked the row and Sir Bill said he believed the findings should be made public.

The defectors claimed the row over Coun Taylor's seat was only part of their reason for leaving.

Labour councillors, however, said they walked out after a row about the selection of councillors to the ruling executive committee.

Coun Taylor said: "I will comply with inquiry as much as I am called on to do so. Whatever the result it is my belief that the findings should be made public." His view was backed up by independent Coun Mahfooz Hussain, whose potential de-selection as education spokesman was the reason Labour leader Kate Hollern gave for the split.

Kevin Lee, regional director of Labour North West, said: "If the inquiry is only concerned with the workings of the local Labour group then they may not be made public.

"If there are implications for the whole community then they could well be."

Council chief executive Phil Watson revealed town hall staff had been worried about the events of the past few weeks.

He said: "The uncertainty is potentially damaging to the council in terms of confidence for our partners and staff.

"My concern has always been that whatever combination came together it was a sustainable solution and we could continue to do the many schemes we have in the pipeline."