Leeds City Council deputy leader Jonathan Pryor ousted from seat as Greens make gain
The new Green councillor said he is “lost for words” following the result
The deputy leader of Leeds City Council has lost his seat, as the Green Party makes a gain.
Jonathan Pryor, Labour and Co-Operative Party, was defending his seat in Hyde Park and Headingley.
Mr Pryor also served as the council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development.
He received 1,278 votes, while the Green Party’s Nilesh Chohan received 4,334 and has been elected to represent the ward.
Following the result, the new Councillor Chohan said: “I’m lost for words - immensely proud to be representing the ward where I was born and bred in Leeds, Headingley and Hyde Park.
“I’ve lived here all my life and I love the community, I’ve got a lot a lot of passion for the community, I’ve volunteered for over 15 years.”
He said that the Green Party was “part of real hope and change”, adding: “The community can see exactly how we can make a difference and how we are here together - community cohesion is paramount.”
Mr Pryor left the election count upon losing his seat, the YEP understands.
James Lewis, Labour leader of Leeds City Council, said he was “hugely disappointed” by the result.
He said: “Jonathan has been a great councillor for Headingley, been a great part of changing the city for the better, putting more money in people’s wages, getting huge projects developed.
“I’m hugely disappointed, but I know Jonathan will be back.”
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