THE newly elected Labour councillor for Wharfedale ward on Bradford Council says he is raring to go, after securing his win on Thursday by just 26 votes.

A former civil servant in the Department of Health, Chris Steele will be the first Labour councillor to ever represent the ward.

Chris has lived in Wharfedale ward for many years, firstly renting in Burley-in-Wharfedale and since 2000 as a homeowner in Menston.

Cllr Steele said: “I am very pleased to have been elected as a councillor for Wharfedale ward. I’ve lived in the ward for over 25 years, so it is a real honour to be elected here.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for me and took part in the elections, whether voters, candidates or polling staff.

“I look forward to representing the whole ward and working for our local community with the Labour Group on Bradford Council.”

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of the Labour Group, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Chris to the Labour Group. I know he has worked very hard to win the seat and will continue that strong work ethic in the way he represents his constituents in Wharfedale.

“The result shows that Labour is now a strong choice for people all across the district and we look forward to being able to build on this success when it comes to the General Election next year. Anna Dixon, the Labour Parliamentary candidate for Shipley, is a strong candidate and already involved in lots of community groups all across the constituency.”

Menston resident Peter Cochrane who ran as the Conservative candidate in the Wharfedale ward said: "I’d like to congratulate Chris Steele, the Labour candidate, on his win but also send my thanks to all those who voted for me. While the vote didn’t go my way, as with all others, my wish is for the best outcome for the Wharfedale Ward.

"I believe that the Wharfedale Ward is currently overlooked by Bradford Council and while we are deemed as 'the least deprived ward', we still deserve and require the council's investment and support. It is with this belief that I very much hope Chris can deliver on his words - a voice on the controlling council, restoring the council's support for our public transport and securing at least some of the wards CIL monies for the likes of the Burley Doctor Surgery. After all, it is the controlling council who have approved the recent developments and set/enforce the conditions (such as building a new school)."