LABOUR might be struggling in the opinion polls but the party is enjoying a surge in membership in Otley and Yeadon.
The number of full members at the local branch has more than doubled – rising from 120 to 270 – since May, 2015.
That total rises to 391 when affiliate members and registered supporters are included.
New member Carl Sheratt, of Queens Place in Otley, said: "I'm excited that the Labour leadership is working hard to break down the Westminster bubble and engage with people again.
"It’s fantastic to see a fairer alternative to the Tories.
"I know Labour will fight for our local budgets for flood prevention, the hospital, libraries, policing, schools, security and the high street, all of which are under threat from this Government’s austerity policies.”
Labour’s Otley and Yeadon ward candidate for the Leeds City Council elections this May, Nik Rutherford, added: "We really are gathering momentum in Otley and Yeadon.
"People are sick and tired of Government neglect and local residents are seeing their Labour Party as an organisation trying to redress that, with a growing network of active members working in the heart of our community."
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