By John Baron
Labour’s Adrian McCluskey has announced he will be standing down as a Farnley & Wortley ward councillor at next May’s local election.
Councillor McCluskey, who was elected in 2023, has had health issues in recent years and wants to spend more time with his family.
In a statement issued to WLD, Cllr McCluskey said: “As highlighted recently by colleagues, the work takes its toll on councillors. It is a seven day a week role, as people’s lives don’t stop for weekends or holidays.
“I’ve done my best to always respond promptly and help where I can. However, what people don’t know is that I have had cancer diagnosed and treated twice, prostate and skin, in the last three years.
“More recently I have undergone a full knee replacement and in June I lost my mother.
“I have also become a grandfather for the first time in the last year but rarely get to see my granddaughter as they live away and time off is a rarity. I want and need to prioritise my family going forward.
“As a consequence, I have decided to stand down at the next election in May. I vow to continue to work for every person in Farnley and Wortley and have greatly treasured the faith people have put in me to be their councillor representative in this great city.”
Cllr McCluskey said he was proud of his achievements.
His statement added: “I have worked relentlessly on individual casework and trying to improve services in the ward. Working with community groups, we have seen improvements in our parks – including a new playground at Western Flatts.
“My campaign promise was to improve Farnley Fishpond which has seen a complete refurbishment of this amazing community asset. Working with our MP, Mark Sewards, we supported the TV Harrison Action Group’s campaign and worked alongside Leeds United to secure a long-term solution for Wortley’s Wembley.
“I have also been part of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, identifying the best use of £20 million, secured by our MP, to improve some of our most forgotten areas over a 10-year period.
“Cllr Kate Haigh and I also introduced Christmas lights for the first time in Farnley & Wortley, with the intention of expanding the numbers of lights and areas they are in. On a citywide role, I have worked as the Deputy Executive Member for Adult Social Care and am currently LCC Disability Champion as well as chair of the Outer West Community Committee.”
Leeds City Council elections are due to take place in all 33 wards across the city in May 2027.
WLD last week reported Pudsey Reform councillor Trish Smith’s intention to stand down next May, for several reasons. And Calverley & Farsley Labour councillor Peter Carlill recently stood down with immediate effect due to ill health and the demands of the job last month, sparking a by-election on 22 October.