Ahead of the Leeds City Council elections, WLD is running election comments from the major political parties.
Polling day is Thursday, 7 May and results will be announced the following day.
Here’s what Conservative leader Alan Lamb had to say to local democracy reporter Don Mort:
The Conservatives have pledged to offer more than “sticking plaster” solutions for the city ahead of the local elections.
The party set out some key aims for Leeds as candidates scramble for votes ahead of polling day.
Tory group leader Alan Lamb said the party would “fix the basics properly”, cut waste and put more resources into frontline services.
More control over council decisions would be put into local hands to address problems more quickly.
Coun Lamb said: “Leeds isn’t one place. It’s a city of proud communities, each with its own identity. But too often, Labour runs it as if everywhere is the same – too big, too bossy – and it isn’t working.
“You see it in the basics. Potholes patched, then failing again. Missed bins. Endless consultations that don’t actually listen. We all feel like we’re paying more and getting less.”
Coun Lamb, who represents Wetherby, also warned that protest votes would not address problems the city is facing.
He said: “Your community deserves better than sticking-plaster solutions. This election is a clear choice. More of the same, or change that actually delivers.”
Ward candidate statements
WLD has also asked for candidate statements in all seven wards we cover in our patch. Here are their responses:
- Armley ward candidate statements can be read here.
- Bramley & Stanningley candidate statements can be read here.
- Calverley & Farsley candidate statements can be read here.
- Farnley & Wortley election candidates can be read here.
- Horsforth election candidates can be read here.
- Kirkstall election candidates can be read here.
- Pudsey candidate statements can be read here.
See all of WLD‘s local election coverage here.
I read my Conservative councillors leaflet stating various achievements locally. All but one of these had been done by our Labour run Leeds City Council.
Tory austerity or underfunding of local councils has devastated our country. Childrens centres closed, libraries consolidated and services reduced across all areas. Our roads are full of pot holes because top dressings of pitch and chippings that prevent water getting into the road were applied less frequently as money was required elsewhere in the budget. Then we end up with lots of pot holes.
In other areas too we have ended up with more problems because the money wasn’t available to prevent the issues getting worse.
Despite this Leeds has been awarded OUTSTANDING in Children’s Services for the last 3 years.
Love Leeds, voters Labour