Kippax forms part of the Selby constituency but is part of Leeds City Council rather than North Yorkshire. We have been canvassing and leafletting for several weeks now and the views on the doorstep have been very positive. Positive in that they are fed up of ‘same old’ and fed up of not been listened to.
So much so that in Methley for instance the council (Labour controlled) have decided to postpone (one of their key attributes) a decision on a sand quarry because they presumably are going to let it through (ie have a chat with officers over a cuppa and send to committee with a recommendation to approve). This would cost them votes. The MP is doing the same thing with regards a huge solar farm stretching from Selby to Sherburn in Elmet—trying to keep people ‘on board’ whilst not actually caring what happens.
We need someone who doesn’t see it as a full time permanent job at the council but as a volunteer who has a full time job but is willing to take out to help make good decisions using their experience in the world of work.
A last interesting fact for you—most of the new stock of labour MPs either worked for a charity or were politivcal assistants—so no experience of actually working then!!