By Jill Stocks

Now that the dust has settled on the local elections, and re-elected councillors resume their duties, and newly elected councillors find their feet, let’s spare a thought for those unsung heroes of the election campaigns – the party activists and agents. 

Across West Leeds the party faithful from all parties give up their time and their energy in the run up to the elections canvassing, leafleting, putting up posters and door knocking, playing a huge role in this country’s democratic process.

But their efforts do not go unnoticed by the elected representatives. 

Katie White is the MP for Leeds North West and joined party activists on Horsforth Town Street in the run up to last week’s elections.

She told WLD: “We’re really lucky in the Labour party in Leeds North West, particularly in Horsforth, because we’ve got an array of party activists who go out day in and day out and they are 100% committed to this community. 

“A lot of them come from different community organisations and they’re here because they believe in the value of community, they believe in collectivism and they think that working with the Labour party and all other organisations is the right way to keep this community strong and strengthen and evolve it for future generations.”

Later on that day Stuart Andrew MP, previously MP for the Pudsey and Aireborough constituency before boundary changes before the last general election, was back in his old stomping ground of Horsforth for a visit and joined local candidates Chris Calvert and Della Heptinstall canvassing in the area. 

“Our activists are the backbone of local campaigning,” he said. “They give up huge amounts of their own time to knock on doors, deliver leaflets, and speak to residents because they genuinely care about their communities and want to make a difference.

“Whatever party people support, local democracy depends on volunteers willing to put themselves forward and engage with voters directly, often in all weathers and after a full day’s work. Their commitment and energy deserve real recognition.”

Tina Fothergill was part of a group of Green Party volunteers on Horsforth Town Street.

“I think with the Green Party it’s very much a grass roots led organisation. We’ve not got the backing of the other parties with a lot of billionaire funding so we need to have people on the ground talking to people face to face, getting ourself out there so that people actually see us, know who we are, know what we stand for and just making our presence known in the area.”

In Armley Green party members were out in force campaigning in the run up to May 7th.

Lou Cunningham is a Green Party councillor for Armley. “Running a political campaign is more than just the surface photos and media,” she said.

“Behind every campaign is a group of people coming together for a common cause – volunteering their time, efforts and energies.

“In Armley we have had members from West Leeds and beyond who have united and given up hours behind the scenes to communicate, coordinate and deliver.

“We are so grateful and appreciate every single thing anyone has done. 

“Many of these people started off as strangers and along the way we have also had fun and friendships have been forged.”

Cllr Kevin Ritchie was re-elected for Bramley and Stanningley last week, a ward he has served for a number of years.

“Our volunteers are highly valued and are an important part of our campaign, getting out our message and connecting with voters. I was truly grateful for the immense support, which included non party members, wishing to support me.”

Cllr Ritchie with agent Roland Cross

“For me, it’s always something I take into the role, always remembering the activists and voters who put me in the treasured position to represent them. They will always come first, rather than seeking higher office.”

And the work doesn’t stop after the results are announced. It’s then time to collect up all the stakes and posters that have been put up in the local area. 

Also working away behind the scenes, working long hours in the Civic Hall, are the election staff themselves. In the days leading up to the election a huge number of staff are already busy verifying postal votes and many many more join them on the day of the count itself, all working together to swiftly and efficiently deliver the election results. 

On polling day itself polling clerks man the polling stations from first thing in the morning until the votes are collected late that evening.

Some of the staff are Leeds City Council employees, some are retired and some are simply casual staff who volunteer their time away from their usual employment, and many have been doing so for many years. 

Returning Officer and chief executive of Leeds City Council Ed Whiting said: “Holding the local election was a real team effort, involving more than 1,400 people taking on a variety of roles and 332 polling stations around the city. 

“We’d like to thank everyone involved and especially those who volunteered for their time, diligence and commitment to ensuring every part of the democratic process was completed to the highest standards. 

“We’d also like to thank everyone in the city who voted and played their part in what is a key event for Leeds.”

  • West Leeds Dispatch contacted the Liberal Democrats, Reform, TUSC and the SDP, who all had candidates in West Leeds in the May 7 elections but they did not submit any information for publication in this article.