Colin Burgon MP | Karen Bruce

Elmet and Rothwell selection for Labour’s Parliamentary candidate

Colin Burgon MP, Elmet and Rothwell, Garforth, Labour Party, Methley, Rothwell, Swillington, Wetherby Comments Off

Aug 162009

I have been asked by local Labour Party members to put my name forward to be selected as Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for the new constituency of Elmet and Rothwell.The constituency contains most of the old constituency of Elmet (currently represented by Colin Burgon MP), as well as all of the Rothwell ward from the old Morley and Rothwell constituency (Colin Challen MP) and parts of Leeds North East (Fabian Hamilton MP).

I’m humbled and honoured by the support and encouragement that I’ve received from members right across the constituency from Wetherby in the north, through to Garforth, Swillington and Methley, and of course my own ward of Rothwell. I’ve lived in the constituency and have been an active Labour Party campaigner here for most of my adult life. I’ve lived in Methley and Swillington and now live in Carlton, Rothwell with my husband Stuart and little girl Esme (who we’ve just signed up to attend our local school).

Elmet and Rothwell has a proud Labour history, rich in industry, culture and tradition. It is a constituency that Labour must win if we are to protect all that we have achieved since 1997 – and if we are to achieve even more in the future.

Finally I’d again like to thank Colin Burgon MP for all his dedicated service to the the local Labour Party and our local communities. For 26 years – through good times and bad – he has dedicated his life to working for us. I bring enthusiasm, passion, experience, commitment and bags of energy to continue to unite the local Labour Party and ensure we keep campaigning to win Elmet and Rothwell.

Elmet and Rothwell Labour Party meeting

Colin Burgon MP, Elmet and Rothwell, Family, Housing Comments Off

Jun 182009

Excellent all member meeting yesterday evening of Elmet and Rothwell Labour Party. Whilst this is a difficult time for us as a party it was great to see members fired up and speaking passionately about the issues that matter to them. Colin Burgon, our retiring MP gave a really interesting speech, I can identify with a lot of what he was saying, especially about his background having grown up on the Gipton Estate, and I think this has meant that Colin can identify with people when they are going through hard times. I grew up on Portobello Estate in neighbouring Wakefield then lived all my adult life in Elmet and Rothwell, growing up I also knew what it was like to struggle and do without. It is clear that members are sad to see Colin go as he has worked tirelessly on local issues.

Renewing the local Labour Party in Elmet and Rothwell

Colin Burgon MP, Elmet and Rothwell, Oulton, Rothwell Comments Off

Jun 132009

We had a good Rothwell Labour Party meeting this week. We had a lively discussion about what we all thought about recent national issues, including the devastating recent Euro election results, the expenses scandal, ID cards and elected mayors. We also talked about the issues local to us such as the incinerator which is to be built near us, that our MP is retiring, the fact that Oulton residents are feeling the effects of having lost their library, are amongst some of the subjects we got around to discussing.

Open farm Sunday in Swillington

Colin Burgon MP, Elmet and Rothwell, Environment, Family, Swillington Comments Off

Jun 072009

Today was ‘Open Farm Sunday’ which is great as it gives everyone the opportunity to experience the countryside and connect with the land that feeds us.

We went to a local farm, Swillington Organic Farm, which was taking part, with our little girl Esme. I know Swillington well, having lived there before we moved to neighbouring Carlton, Rothwell, I represented Swillington as a Garforth and Swillington councillor for 6 years so have many friends.We have also gone to the farm shop for its lovely produce several times, as well as getting our Christmas trees there regularly. We were lucky as we bumped into Colin Burgon MP for Elmet and Rothwell who was also enjoying the delights of the farm.