ONE of the six Asian councillors who walked out of the Labour Party after this year's elections today revealed he wants to rejoin.

Coun Salim Mulla, who represents Queen's Park, is the first of the six defectors to publicly say he wants to go back.

He said the way had been smoothed for his return after he received an apology from the group after an independent inquiry, details of which were leaked to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph last week.

It is understood the walkout, which followed June's local elections, was triggered after senior non-councillor members of the Labour group in Blackburn made unspecified allegations about Coun Mulla.

Other members of the six said allegations made at that meeting included being accused of failing to help former council leader Sir Bill Taylor retain his seat in the mainly Asian ward of Audley.

An inquiry held by the Labour Party, and chaired by cross-bench peer Lord Victor Adebowale, concluded there had been no evidence of racism within the Labour group, but insisted that Coun Mulla receive an apology for the accusations made.

The peer's report also called for more steps to be taken to tackle a perception that an inner-clique of non-elected members within the Labour Party in Blackburn wielded too much influence within the council.

The breakaway wiped out Labour's majority on the council and they only retained power after hatching a deal with the rebels that they wouldn't vote against their former party.

Coun Mulla said: "There has only ever been one party for me, and I plan to apply to return within the next few months.

"I have held senior positions within the party and have worked very hard for it right since the days when Barbara Castle was the MP.

"Serious allegations were made which made things very difficult. I worked hard for Sir Bill and I think he knows that."

Coun Kate Hollern, leader of the Labour-controlled council, said: "All of the six councillors have been told they can reapply if they wish."