Who is Mark your local independent candidate?

I am a local resident who has grown up, worked, and lived in the ward all my life.

Full statement

I grew up in Swarcliffe, like many I worked from an early age, delivery newspapers and glass collecting in Swarcliffe Club, etc. Long before mobile phones and the internet, I met my wife in the old Staging Post and went on to live in Whinmoor before moving into Crossgates. I have worked locally as a postman, construction roles in the area, and now working in health and safety management, also spending time in the armed forces as did my brother, sister and father.

I am not someone who goes home to another area after work or comes back into the area for a photo opportunity. I am a passionate candidate who sees and hears the local problems daily. I have stood before for these reasons, in the previous local elections gaining support and improving my results from those locals fed up with big party system and false promises. I would never consider standing in other areas, unlike our other candidates who frequently do.

As a local resident my family, daughters and friends all live the area. As a father of 3 daughters, I have had concerns on issues such as female safety and even my own safety in the area for long time, long before the hotel situation. I see, hear, and share the issues and concerns and fears people have daily. I like many residents have been left dismayed with local representation to get local issues resolved. I Listen and talk to people who all seem to be saying the same, that they believe the council is all about party politics and who gets the top jobs, it is not about them or the local area, the constant excuses of no money then we see them splash our council tax on failed follies, people feel frustrated as there is no alternative!

I have been involved with local education as a school governor and chair of governors at St Theresas Primary School along with the former St Gregorys, for over 20 years. Whilst working with some great staff and governors we steered our way through Ofsted inspections and ever-changing government standards and budget decisions to deliver the absolute best outcomes for our children. I was involved locally along with my Father, John, who was vice chair of previous Swarcliffe Residents Association, on local issues particularly during the creation and implementation of the Swarcliffe Private finance initiative (PFI) and i continue to attend local forum meetings and consultations raising issues as i see them.. My Sister, Theresa, operates the Crossgates Chiropody and Therapy Centre, on Austhorpe Road. So, I am therefore fully aware of the struggles local small business face in the current climate.

I think i can say therefore, I am genuinely invested locally and believe I understand the areas and big concerns without having to go door knocking for a photo opportunity.

However ill be honest, please do not expect lots of fancy ‘pledges’ from me as i don't make promises i can never deliver, like the other party candidates.

What I will do is work hard for you on your issues to make our area better.