LOCAL resident and business owner Pete Gable has been selected as the Conservative candidate for the Guiseley and Rawdon ward for the Leeds City Council elections in May.

His selection comes after Cllr Graham Latty decided to retire after 22 years of service in the ward.

Born and bred in the local community, Mr Gable is married to Candy and has two grown up children. He is a familiar face to many due to his extensive community work with groups such as Guiseley Lions, Guiseley Community Foundation and a local senior citizen's charity. His company employs local people and provides opportunities for apprentices and T level students.

He said: "I am delighted to have been chosen to stand for election for our community. Living and working here, I care passionately about its future and want to do my bit in shaping it.

"Following in the footsteps of Graham Latty is a challenge as he has been a great champion and if elected, I would love to build on his work and serve our whole community”

The area's MP Stuart Andrew, welcomed the selection of Mr Gable.

He said:"I have seen first-hand how hard Pete works for important groups locally and he would make an excellent Councillor."

As well as his long service as a councillor Graham Latty also served as Lord Mayor of Leeds from 2018 to 2019.

He was handed the chains of office at the annual general meeting of Leeds City Council in May 2018 following overwhelming support from all parties and he became the city's 125th Lord Mayor.

Accompanying him on his engagements during 2018/2019 was his wife and fellow Guiseley and Rawdon councillor Pat Latty.

Born in Leeds, Councillor Graham Latty attended Talbot Road County Primary, Roundhay School, and Leeds College of Art.

During his political career he has also been Deputy Conservative Group Whip and Chief Opposition Whip. His other political interests include health and adult social care and planning.

During his time as Lord Mayor, Cllr Latty and his wife raised money for St Gemma’s Hospice which has been a fundamental part of the Leeds community for 40 years.

The couple raised more than £60,000 for the hospice during the year - and that figure was still rising when Cllr Latty handed over the chains of office. The Lady Mayoress raised about £3,500 towards it by doing a parachute jump with the Red Devils.