Mayoral candidate chosen by Conservatives

Harewood councillor Matthew Robinson has been selected as the Conservative candidate to be West Yorkshire’s first elected metro mayor.
Harewood Councillor Matthew RobinsonHarewood Councillor Matthew Robinson
Harewood Councillor Matthew Robinson

Harewood councillor Matthew Robinson has been selected as the Conservative candidate to be West Yorkshire’s first elected metro mayor.

Coun Robinson has been a councillor for the Harewood ward since 2010 and is also the shadow resources lead for the Conservatives.

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His intention to stand had been rumoured for some time after it was announced the new mayor would also take on the police and crime commissioner powers.

Conservative members selected him to run as the party candidate last Saturday. He was one of two on the Tory shortlist alongside Bradford-born barrister Narinder Sekhon.

Mr Robinson said: “I am thrilled to be selected as the Conservative mayoral candidate for West Yorkshire.

“Becoming the first West Yorkshire mayor is a massive job for our county and filled with huge opportunities and responsibilities.

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“We can see how successful Conservative mayors have been across the country in the likes of the West Midlands and Tees Valley and I am confident, if elected, I can ensure people living in West Yorkshire reap the benefits of this devolution programme.

“People across West Yorkshire have watched as other parts of the country have been improved by having a mayor and I will work to make sure we don’t miss out.

“Until May’s election. I will be talking to as many people as possible across the Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield districts to share my vision for West Yorkshire.”

Labour announced it would put forward Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin three months ago.

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Andrew Cooper, leader of the Green Party on Kirklees Council, is the Greens’ candidate.

Stewart Golton, councillor for Rothwell and the leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Leeds City Council, was selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate.

Bob Buxton, leader of the Yorkshire Party and councillor on Rawdon Parish Council, is running as the candidate for the Yorkshire Party. The mayoral election takes place on May 6.