A DISTRICT councillor has announced he will stand as an independent candidate in the May 2022 local elections.

Mike Gibbons was first elected as a Conservative councillor to represent the Ilkley ward on Bradford Council over 30 years ago.

Cllr Gibbons is now keen to continue his work as a district and town councillor independent of party politics.

He said: "I have learned that much good work can be done, and a great many things achieved, outside of a 'political party' structure.

"I am not at all happy with many of the Conservative Party’s actions and deeds of late. Standards have slipped, with a ‘do as I say, not as I do’ attitude, from the top down.

"I still have many Conservative values at heart, but these are not set within the current party’s ethos and actions.

"However, I’m not turning to any other party. I see other parties as too focussed on their own narrow issues or dogma. Too often this leads to opposition in name only.

"I simply want to concentrate on what’s good for Ilkley, it’s residents and the numerous people who visit this wonderful place."

Cllr Gibbons is a former district Lord Mayor, has chaired many council committees and fought to retain local health services. The father of two has also been the owner of three local businesses.

He added: "Ilkley is not without its problems, heavy taxation, a shortage of school places, environmental and ecological issues, road safety concerns. Ilkley is too often looked at as a cash cow, one able to weather anything thrown its way. This idyllic picture is not always so and people do need help and support. I want to go on helping the people of our town and also the place itself, to thrive and prosper.

"I believe Ilkley deserves nothing less than an experienced representative as our district councillor. I ask for your support in the upcoming May Elections; to ensure that I am able to go on working and fighting for you, and with you, for the place I love, Ilkley."

A Conservative Party spokesperson said: "Mike Gibbons is currently suspended from the Conservative Party, pending an investigation, and is therefore ineligible to be a candidate for the Party."

Cllr Gibbons said it was an internal investigation by the Conservative Party. He added: "They really don't like opposition."