I’d like to say a huge thank you to the voters of Rothwell, Woodlesford, Oulton and Carlton who’ve put their faith in me and elected me as the new Labour councillor for the Rothwell ward on Leeds City Council. Before the election I pledged to do my very best for local people and I will keep my promise.
Personally, it was a very proud day for me yesterday as I took office and went to sign my declaration with Tom Riordan, the chief executive of Leeds City Council. My daughter Esme, who’s almost four, was also celebrating as she’s helped out so much on the campaign trail by helping to deliver leaflets and even knocking on doors! When I shook hands with Tom, Esme promptly followed by also shaking his hand.
But this isn’t just a victory for me or the Labour Party, more importantly it’s a victory for the people of Rothwell. I’m keen to get started on the many things to tackle for everyone in our community. These are tough times and the Labour council is being put into a position where it is being forced to make cuts on behalf of the Tory/Liberal Democrat government and our priority has to be to protect the most vulnerable as far as possible from devastating cuts.
I’d also like to thank the local Labour Party members many of who already work so tirelessly in the local community and also found time to help me deliver local Labour community newsletters and knock on doors to talk to local residents and listen to their concerns.
I’m honoured and humbled to be the first Labour councillor in Rothwell since the Liberal Democrats took the three seats. I don’t underestimate how difficult a job it will be, especially with two opposition Liberal Democrat councillors who will be trying to undermine the work I do to help local people. That’s why it’s important to build on what we’ve already achieved and elect another Labour councillor next year.
I also want to build on the work Labour Party members have done in the community and I’d like to extend an open invitation to local people who’d like to get involved and join us in fighting the brutal Tory/Liberal Democrat government who are cutting too fast and too deep. If you’d like to join us then please get in touch using the contact form.
