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 the Social Democratic Party’s Wayne Dixon had to say to local democracy reporter Don Mort:
Ending homelessness is among the aims of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as it campaigns for votes in the local elections.
The SDP’s Leeds group said tackling flytipping and improving conditions for children in care were also priorities.
Group leader Wayne Dixon said the party would seek to boost public transport and affordable housing.
He said: “The SDP stands for economic fairness, stronger local services, and responsible government that prioritises working people over ideological extremes.
“In Leeds, that means investing in reliable public transport, investing in more council house building, and ensuring safer neighbourhoods.”
Coun Dixon, who represents Middleton Park, said the SDP wanted to ensure vulnerable children were not housed in illegal or unregistered care homes.
He said more buildings could be used as temporary accommodation to tackle homelessness.
Flytipping could be tackled by stronger enforcement and increasing waste collections.
Coun Dixon said: “Unlike larger parties often driven by internal divisions, the SDP emphasises common-sense policies and accountability.
“It supports a mixed economy, where enterprise thrives alongside strong public services, and decisions are made with local needs in mind.”
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.