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 Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) had to say to local democracy reporter Don Mort:
The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition has set out its aims to tackle poverty and boost workers’ rights ahead of the local elections.
The socialist alliance called for measures to provide more council housing and regulate the private rented sector.
The TUSC said an expansion of the city’s Crisis and Resilience Fund would tackle hardship for families.
The group said buses should also be fully brought into public ownership with fare-free travel on offer for passengers.
Richard Chaves-Sanderson, TUSC candidate for Burmantofts and Richmond Hill, said overseas wars should also be opposed.
He said “We want a real alternative of jobs, homes and services instead of austerity, war and division.”
The TUSC said a spending squeeze led by central government had hit the city with service cuts, council tax rises and rent hikes.
A spokesperson added: “We pledge to vote against such measures that make workers pay whilst the rich get even richer.”
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.