Leeds councillor selected as Conservative candidate for West Yorkshire Mayor

Matt Robinson has been a councillor for the Harewood ward since 2010.

He is currently the Shadow Resources Lead for the Conservatives and 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 on Saturday, February 20.

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.

"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 – the vision I believe can help improve lives for everyone living and working here.

"I will show I am the best candidate to become West Yorkshire mayor and can work alongside the Conservative Government to deliver on my plans."

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

Andrew Cooper, leader of the Green Party on Kirklees Council, is the Green Party 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 West Yorkshire mayoral election will take place on Thursday, May 6.