'Let’s have more honesty from local politicians'

We constantly hear from LibDem councillors that when something good happens in Otley it’s down to them but if it’s bad it’s down to Labour. Their recent leaflet is a great example of that. It implies that the new Otley flood defences are their success: not true, they are a collaboration between many agencies including the Labour City Council.

They claim responsibility for keeping Ellar Ghyll open, but it was my petition to save it in the New Year that helped show the strength of local support, and it is the Labour City Council, in spite of enormous financial pressures, which has decided to keep funding it.

It doesn’t have to be like this. Let’s have a bit more honesty in local politics. During the pandemic Leeds has managed to keep vital services going despite suffering major cuts in funding from central government. It has been widely praised for the quality of its in-house free school meals, with 34,000 distributed in school holidays. Its Covid helpline has dealt with 28,000 calls helping with food provision, prescription collecting and general advice and guidance. All of these services plus many more have been available to people in Otley.

And now it’s time to decide. If we continue to have only Lib Dems councillors our area will continue to feel like it is side-lined. But next week on 6th May every voter has the opportunity to make a change. A vote for Labour will be a vote to be part of a great team linking the town council, the city council, our MP Alex Sobel and Tracy Brabin, candidate for West Yorkshire mayor. A strong Labour team can win far more resources for our area. So you have a choice. Let’s make sure Otley and Yeadon is on the winning team. If you want a change for the better, please give your support to the new voices who will fight for the best deal. Please vote Labour on 6th May.

Lucy Nuttgens

Labour city council candidate for Otley and Yeadon

Otley