DISCONTENT over Bradford Council's governance of Keighley and Ilkley has spawned a candidate for June's General Election who will run on an "Independence from Bradford" ticket.

David Crabtree, who owns The Raikes Care Home, in Silsden, has this week confirmed his candidacy for the election on June 8, which was only announced by the UK Prime Minister on Tuesday last week.

Mr Crabtree, who also owns the Ladies in Waiting home care agency, said he feels the people of Keighley and Ilkley have this one opportunity to demonstrate their desire for autonomy and independence from Bradford Council control.

If elected Mr Crabtree said he would also work towards halting the incinerator at Marley and he intends to liaise closely with the members of Parish and town councils in Ilkley district .

He added: "In voting for Independence from Bradford the electorate of Airedale and Wharfedale can start a major campaign to have its own Ilkley and Keighley district council, with council taxes paid from Ilkley and Keighley residents spent directly in their own area, not in central Bradford.

"Voting for an independent candidate would ensure they end up with an MP who works solely for the voters, not a party."