Local government should be practical, grounded and focused on improving everyday life

I’ve lived and worked in Leeds and Bradford for nearly 40 years and I’m standing for election because I care about the communities that make this area such a great place to live.

I grew up in a mining village near Chesterfield, where there was a strong sense of community and people looked out for one another. That background has shaped how I see local government: it should be practical, grounded, and focused on improving everyday life.

I moved to Leeds for higher education in the late 1980s and began working in Bradford in 1992, building a long career as a software engineer, initially with an NG Bailey division and later with Pace in Saltaire. That experience has given me a strong problem-solving mindset, a focus on delivering workable solutions and experience working collaboratively and leading teams.

Since moving to Burley in Wharfedale in 2000 with my wife, we’ve raised our two daughters here and I’ve become increasingly involved in the local community. Both daughters attended local schools before going on to study mathematics at the University of York, with one now working in York. Like many families, we’ve put down roots here and I want to help ensure it remains a great place to live for future generations.

I’ve served for five years on Burley Parish Council, including chairing the environment maintenance and allotments committee. This has involved working with residents, volunteers and local experts to maintain green spaces and respond to everyday issues that matter.

Alongside this, I’ve supported a range of community initiatives, including maintenance work at Burley House Field and regular litter-picking with Wharfedale Wombles. These efforts make a visible difference and help build shared responsibility.

I’ve also worked with local residents to oppose inappropriate development on green belt land. At times, it’s important to come together to protect the character of our area and ensure planning decisions are balanced and sustainable.

If elected to Bradford Council, my priorities would reflect both this experience and what I hear from residents.

I want to see a stronger focus on the local environment: maintaining green spaces and supporting community-led improvements. These are not abstract concerns – they directly affect quality of life and pride in an area.

Strengthening community cohesion is also essential. We live in diverse and vibrant communities that depend on mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose. Local government should support that by bringing people together and backing local groups.

I would also bring a practical, evidence-based approach to decision-making. My background has taught me the importance of understanding problems clearly and being accountable for results. Too often residents feel decisions lack transparency or follow-through. I would work to change that by being open, responsive and focused on outcomes.

Local councils face difficult financial pressures, which makes careful prioritisation more important than ever. My experience in the tech sector and long-term project work gives me a strong foundation for contributing to that.

I’m standing to offer a grounded, community-focused voice on Bradford Council, someone who understands both the bigger picture and the day-to-day issues that matter and who will work constructively to make our area cleaner, more connected and better run.