Voters in Calverley & Farsley Ward will go to the polls on Thursday, 7 May 2026 for the Leeds City Council elections. One councillor will be elected.
Voters are reminded that photo ID is needed to vote at polling stations. More details here.
West Leeds Dispatch does not support any political party, but we do encourage all our readers to use their vote.
Candidates have been asked for a statement of up to 300 words and a head and shoulders photograph to help you decide who to vote for. Here are their responses…
Andrew Carter (Conservative)
15 Clarke Street, Calverley, LS28 5NH
Andrew Carter
Being a local councillor is in my view about representing people irrespective of party politics, doing your best, going the extra mile and trying to make a real difference, which is what I always try to do.
Over the years I have successfully fought against unsuitable development, sorted out anti-social behaviour, implemented traffic calming and dealt with literally thousands of individual problems for constituents.
I have also held regular surgeries either in fixed locations, ie Calverley Library, Farsley Library, St James the Great Church Hall, and street surgeries in Rodley and all around the ward. Local really does matter. We can do a lot to influence big local issues. For example, Leeds City Council will be publishing its latest views on the Local Development Plan in June. I will work with local residents and do my best to ensure it provides the right houses in the right places for the right people, and for what is needed in our area. It doesn’t need to destroy our precious greenbelt, green spaces and green environment.
We have other local issues, which I will continue to pursue, such as speeding traffic, rat running around residential areas, inconsiderate parking, the dreadful state of the roads and pavements, as well as worsening anti-social behaviour.
Now we have the unacceptable asset stripping and fire sales of Pudsey Town Hall, Calverley Library, the closure of two children’s centres and the fact that Pudsey Civic Hall still remains under threat.
It really is time for local issues to matter.
Too often I see councillors just obeying their political party line. To me that’s wrong. A local councillor should stand up for their constituents and our community. With your help I will continue to do just that.
Ellen Graham (Green Party)
Address in Leeds
Ellen Graham.
For the last nine years I have been happy to call Farsley my home. I’m proud to be standing as your Green Party candidate for the Calverley and Farsley Ward for the seventh time this May, because I believe our communities deserve a councillor who will genuinely fight for them.
Across the country, people are turning to the Greens in record numbers, and it’s not hard to see why. We offer something the establishment parties simply can’t – councillors who are never whipped into toeing a party line against the interests of the people they represent. If elected, I answer directly to the residents across this ward.
Right now, our ward is facing a public transport crisis. The loss of key bus routes has left many residents struggling to get to school and work and exposed exactly why bus services must be brought back under public control. I will push hard for more urgent implementation of the West Yorkshire franchised bus network and innovative solutions such as demand-responsive transport services.
I will also stand firm against inappropriate or poorly planned development on our precious greenbelt and greenfield land. I believe development must prioritise brownfield land first, protect the green areas between our villages, and safeguard the Aire valley corridor, Rodley Nature Reserve and Calverley Woods for wildlife and residents alike.
I’m deeply concerned by the impact that austerity and budget cuts are having on local services and venues. I will work to identify viable solutions pushing for meaningful community involvement in decision-making.
Calverley and Farsley Ward deserves a strong, independent voice. I’d be honoured to represent this area on Leeds City Council and be part of building a fairer, greener future for our city.
Ellen Graham, Green Party candidate for Calverley and Farsley
Stuart McLeod (Liberal Democrat)
107 Old Road, Farsley LS28 5BR
Andy North (Reform UK)
Address in Leeds
Kathryn Penny (Labour and Co-operative Party)
Address in Leeds
Kathryn Penny.
I’ve loved living in our community for 11 years and I want to help make it a place where everyone can flourish just as my family and I have. I’m honoured to be a candidate in the local elections in May and it’s been a privilege to speak to so many residents about what matters to them during my campaign.
I’m passionate about road safety, protecting and investing in our green spaces and supporting residents who may be struggling with the cost of living. As a mum and an educator I also care deeply about developing spaces where young people can play, create and build skills.
If elected as your councillor my priorities will be
Protecting and investing in green spaces – safeguarding our parks, paths, canal and green belt for future generations.
Improving road safety – making our roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
Creating opportunities for young people – expanding opportunities and support to give every young person the best possible start in life.
Supporting residents with cost of living – standing up for families and pensioners facing rising bills and financial pressure and fighting for investment in public services such as libraries, clean streets and improved transport links.
I really love our community and I want to make it a great place to grow up, work and live. I am not a career politician and I can bring my experience of leadership in my other jobs to represent you with focus and professionalism.
I want to be your councillor because I have a passion for making the place we call home even better, across all our areas of Calverley, Farsley, Pudsey, Rodley, Stanningley, Thornbury and Woodhall. I’d be grateful for your support.
- Candidates who have not yet submitted their profiles can still do so by e-mailing news@westleedsdispatch.com.