York is well placed to continue playing a leading role as a historic city at the forefront of innovation - Keith Aspden

When I took on the role of the Leader of the Council back in 2019, I knew that we had an excellent opportunity to deliver an ambitious and progressive vision for the city, and I am proud of our achievements.

However, like many at the time, I could not have predicted how the Covid pandemic would fundamentally change our way of life. Leading the city through this crisis, often from my kitchen table, was certainly not something I had envisaged when I became the leader, but those professional and personal sacrifices were small in comparison to those made by York’s healthcare staff and key workers who were on the frontline of those difficult days.

I could not be prouder of how York came together in the face of adversity, and I am eternally grateful to all key workers, partners and council staff who went above and beyond to support our communities through those challenging times.

Sadly, the lifting of Covid restrictions did not mean our city’s challenges stopped there. From the pandemic, to severe flooding, and the Cost of Living crisis, York continues to be impacted by events beyond our control. Just like inflation and the cost of energy, demand for council services has continued to soar, whilst at the same time, the council finances remain in a perilous position. Nonetheless, York is a city of immense opportunity and unique strengths. Even in the face of these challenges, I am proud to have led an administration which has reached some truly significant milestones.

Only last month, a historic devolution deal for York and North Yorkshire was agreed by both City of York Council and North Yorkshire County Council, following months of intense negotiation with the Government.

Devolution was one of those issues discussed and debated in the city for decades, yet it has been the endeavours of this administration to secure a deal which contains £540m of new money for transport, housing and education over the next 30 years. With the nation’s economy in turmoil, devolution could not come at a more critical time for our city’s local economy.

I am also incredibly proud of the progress we have made in delivering York Central – a scheme talked about for longer than I have been a councillor. Following years of inaction, we now have diggers on site, to unlock £700m of crucial investment to realise the opportunities of one of the most important brownfield sites in the country. York Central will see us transform our city for decades to come, delivering world class business space, housing, a new railway museum and public spaces - unlocking a £1.2m boost to our economy.

The Government’s interest in locating a significant Government Hub on the York Central site is also a vote of confidence in the project. Only a few weeks ago, it was confirmed that the site will see a total of 2,600 civil servants located there and I am excited to see what more the York Central scheme can now achieve in the years to come.

Whilst it might be a few years yet until residents can reap the rewards of these major projects, we have also built hundreds of affordable homes, secured Purple Flag status for the city, protected and expanded the city’s libraries, created a new community woodland, are electrifying our bus network, and directly investing over £3m in our communities, empowering local residents to improve their local area.

For me as local councillor for the fantastic communities of Fulford and Heslington, this has always been what I have most enjoyed.

York is well known for its demanding political environment, somewhat highlighted by the fact that I am now the longest serving council leader since 2008. It was never the politics that motivated me to stand for council elections back in 2003, but the opportunity to deliver real positive change and help my local community. I am grateful for this opportunity and the trust my colleagues and residents have placed in me over the last two decades. I always knew that I would need to return to my career, so having taken the time to reflect on the challenges and work of the last 20 years, I have concluded that it is the right time to take the opportunity of the election to turn a new page and return to my career in education.

I have the utmost confidence that York is well placed to continue playing a leading role as a historic city at the forefront of innovation, driving the regional economy.

Keith Aspden is the outgoing leader of City of York Council.