Leeds local election 2026: Horsforth candidate profiles

Voters in Horsforth Ward will go to the polls on Thursday, 7 May 2026 for the Leeds City Council elections. One councillor will be elected.

Voters are reminded that photo ID is needed to vote at polling stations. More details here. 

West Leeds Dispatch does not support any political party, but we do encourage all our readers to use their vote.

Candidates have been asked for a statement of up to 300 words and a head and shoulders photograph to help you decide who to vote for. Here are their responses…

Khadijah Akhtar (Green Party)

Address in Leeds.

I’ve lived in Horsforth since the age of six, having attended both primary and secondary school here. I know our local issues well, including the environmental impact of the airport and night flights. 

I feel strongly about the need for community events and spaces to meet together. I volunteer at Horsforth community cafe. I think it’s incredibly important that we work together as a community to limit our food waste and support those in need.

I want to support more youth centres/spaces to meet and increase current provision for younger people’s activities. Having been a teenager here I know how important it is, that they have a positive focus. I would consult with younger people about what is needed. 

I also volunteer with In the name of Love, in Leeds. A homeless outreach, working towards fairer and safer housing for all.

As a Green councillor I would be working alongside others to protect the Green Belt and green spaces, and enhance the local spaces we have, ensuring accessibility and safety. 

Protecting green spaces is something that’s a huge priority for me, ensuring the natural habitat is protected for us to enjoy eg cracking down on unsafe council pesticide use plus getting paths fixed and developing more play spaces. I would also look into initiatives to clear and protect our neglected rivers. 

I would focus on better public transport links for Horsforth, including cheaper fares, better availability, and I want to also push for more safe bike lanes and secure bike parking, and of course  better pot holes response teams! 

Finally, I think it’s incredibly important to have conversations with individuals in my community and be a voice for my home town’s best interests.

I’m proud to be have chosen to as the Green Party candidate in both the town council by-election and the City Council election.

Emmie Bromley (Labour)

125 Broadway, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4HL

While bringing up my family up in Horsforth, I have wanted to bring the strengths of community and connections that I have experienced further, whether it be Low Lane Rec events, women’s wellness, youth clubs or protecting our loved green spaces and environment.

There is a warmth, care and local pride that Horsforth has in abundance, but that doesn’t mean there are not difficulties, points to grapple with, start-ups needed and projects to bring confidence to. My strengths lay in being open to sit in honest dialogue, willing to find solutions and knowing the answers are collective. 

Going forward I will look to continue these strengths and develop on:

1. Collaboratively working with our local organisations and championing local voices.
2. All year-round accessible play across Horsforth & Rawdon, including equipment and services.
3. Protection of our green spaces and accessibility to those and around Horsforth.
4. Being responsive and with a sense of duty to our residents.

I am more interested in being honest and responsive than being ‘right’ and that is what communities deserve.

Ivan Brookes (Liberal Democrats)

24 Hawksworth Road, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4JP.

It is an honour to have been chosen to stand as a candidate in this council election.

I have lived in Horsforth since I was 10, and many of my fondest memories have been made in this ward. As a young person, I believe I offer a different perspective, plenty of energy and real passion for my community — qualities that will help me work towards making Horsforth a safer, more vibrant and more connected place to live.

If I am fortunate enough to be elected as a councillor, my priorities will include tackling anti‑social behaviour in public spaces, campaigning for more reliable public transport and reversing the deeply unpopular decision to introduce parking charges at Horsforth Hall Park.

Politically, I strongly disagree with the divisive rhetoric of Reform UK, the rise of populism and the appeal of ‘snake‑oil’ solutions to complex issues. I want to help restore a more sensible, compromise‑focused, centrist approach to politics.

Horsforth has shaped who I am, and I would be proud to give back by serving as your councillor.

Chris Calvert (Conservative)

126 Low Lane, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5PX

I am a fourth-generation Horsfordian, raised and educated locally at West End Lane, Broadgate Lane and Horsforth School. I am currently in my final year studying for a BA (Hons) in Social Sciences with The Open University, having already gained a certificate in Politics from Cambridge University.

From 2017 to 2023, I served Woodside Ward as a Horsforth Town Councillor. During that time, I worked hard for residents, ensuring issues such as missed bin collections, fly-tipping and graffiti were raised and addressed.

I am passionate about supporting our community. I serve as Chairman of Dementia Friendly Horsforth, volunteer at local events such as Rawdon Gala, and founded Horsforth Community Aid Project during Covid. I also invited Andy’s Man Club to Horsforth in 2024, which has since established a local branch.

I strongly oppose the imposition and ill-thought-out parking charges at Fink Hill car park. Despite clear public opposition, Labour councillors ignored residents and implemented the charges. Your own councillors voted twice to keep them when offered the choice to remove them by opposition parties.

I am also committed to protecting our green spaces in Horsforth and Rawdon, and oppose building on greenbelt land. I have been a vocal opponent of our green spaces being included in the Leeds Local Housing Plan. At the same time, our roads are deteriorating, and Labour has voted against additional funding to fix potholes.

I believe Horsforth needs a stronger voice to challenge the current administration of Leeds City Council, with all three of your local Councillors being part of that administration, you do not currently have that. I would be that person! I’m local, I care deeply about our area, and I am committed to serving you.

If you want to see real positive change on your doorstep, then vote Conservative on 7 May.

Catherine Dobson (Social Democratic Party – SDP)

Address in Leeds.

Michael Meston (Reform UK)

Address in Leeds.

• Candidates who have not yet submitted their profiles can still do so by e-mailing news@westleedsdispatch.com.