ALEX Eve has been selected to be Labour’s candidate for the Ashfield ward in the by-election for Otley Town Council on May 5.

The by-election is being held following the resignation of former town mayor Peter Jackson, who resigned as a Liberal Democrat councillor amid claims he spun a web of lies about his army career.

Mr Eve said: “I am delighted to have been chosen as the Labour Candidate for Ashfield. I have lived in Otley for nine years and it's the best community I have ever lived in. As the councillor for Ashfield I want to work to improve services for people living north of the river. I am really looking forward to calling on residents in the next few weeks to find out what really matters to them.”

Mr Eve says that he wants to know, in particular, what people think of the bus services, and whether there are enough activities for children and younger people in the immediate locality. He is also asking if GP services and mental health services are easily available for everyone. He said some residents have complained that there aren’t enough shops north of the river. He wants to find out whether that is a common view and, if so, explore what the Town Council can do to encourage more shops to open.

Mr Eve is now retired. He formerly worked in youth and community work and taught design, woodwork and photography. He described himself as a practical person who likes working with others to get things done.

He said: “As your Labour Councillor I will work with Cllr Richard Davies ( Labour) who represents Danefield ward on Otley Town Council and will have strong links with Alex Sobel - Otley’s Labour MP. I strongly believe in working in partnership with others, there is no room for mudslinging in local politics."