'We need fresh thinking': What the Garforth and Swillington Independents pledge ahead of Leeds elections
Ahead of the Leeds City Council elections, we’re running election comments from the major political parties. Here’s what the Garforth and Swillington Independents had to say.
A political group has called for an end to council spending on “vanity projects” as it campaigns for votes in the local elections.
The Garforth and Swillington Independents said new leadership was needed ahead of the Leeds vote on Thursday (May 7).
They said reversing policies on parking charges, bulky waste collections and the closure of children's centres were among the priorities.
Group leader Mark Dobson said: “New collegiate leadership is required that throws away the old system where the largest party does exactly as it pleases, often at variance to the wishes of our communities.”
Coun Dobson said his party wanted to “pull back” on year-on-year council tax rises of almost five per cent in the city.
He said a full review of council spending was needed to ensure a focus on the delivery of essential front-line services.
Coun Dobson said: “Over the last 10 years this has led to profligate spending on vanity projects that have not resulted in our great city moving forward.
“Politicians need to work together for what is best for Leeds and, for that, we need fresh thinking at the top”.
Votes will be cast on Thursday ahead of local election results on Friday, May 8.