HORSFORTH Conservative councillor Jonathan Taylor has announced he is to stand down at this year's local elections.

Cllr Taylor, says he is starting a new job which will not allow him to also serve as a local politician.

Writing on Twitter he said: "Today I have taken the very difficult decision to step down as a councillor for Horsforth and Rawdon on Leeds City Council. I have been offered a new position in what is called a "politically restricted role" which means that the jobs requires that I hold no elected office."

"It has been a privilege to represent our area with councillors Dawn Collins and Jackie Shemilt, and work with the many resident and community groups that make Horsforth and Rawdon such a brilliant place to live. I am proud of what my colleagues and I have achieved since I was first elected."

He added: "Finally, I thank the residents of Horsforth and Rawdon who firstly elected me in 2018, and who subsequently re-elected me last year. Thank you for putting your faith in me. I hope you will agree that I have been able to repay that faith with the work I and my colleagues have been able to do."