OTLEY and Yeadon councillor Sandy Lay has been chosen to represent the Liberal Democrats at the next General Election.

His selection comes after local Liberal Democrat members voted for him following an election process that started in December.

This year Cllr Lay will have been an Otley and Yeadon city councillor since 2012. In that decade he has successfully campaigned for an Urgent Treatment Centre, and for the in-patient wards at Wharfedale hospital to re-open. He has also worked with city council colleagues Cllrs Colin Campbell and Ryk Downes to save Suffolk Court in Yeadon, Ellar Ghyll Recycling and Waste Centre and Weston Lane Community Centre from closures.

He said: “I’m honoured, privileged and just a little overwhelmed that Leeds North West Liberal Democrats have asked me to represent them. Taking on the role of Parliamentary Spokesperson and potential future MP really means a great deal to me.”

“I know most politicians want you to know about their ‘big successes’ and I’ve had my fair share of those, but my greatest and proudest moments are the successes that have helped some of our most vulnerable residents to live improved lives. Better housing, debt support and help, improving access to healthcare, education and educational support are some of these achievements. Casework in the hundreds and these matter just as much as the ‘big stuff’."

He added: “I intend to be an MP grounded in our community of Leeds North West, to ensure that the voices of all our communities are heard in Westminster and promise to work hard to ensure every resident whatever their age, gender or life choices are able to achieve their aspirations, their dreams, their potential”.

“I want to aim high because I’ve been shaped by my childhood and coming from a poor working-class background I know how hard it is to ‘get on’. As I’ve got older though I’ve also come to know that whatever your background we are all searching for a better, healthier life, usually to share with those we love so I want to break those chains that bind all of us, that hold us back and stops us from being who we want to be. It is that drives me to work harder, do better and achieve more for all of us."

“I believe in social justice, fairness and opportunity for all and if I become our MP, these are the things that matter to me, and I hope you."