THE Labour party has selected Bernard O’Connor to contest the Wharfedale seat in the Bradford Council elections next May.

Mr O’Connor, who lives in Menston, taught Mathematics in state schools in north Leeds, latterly as Head of Year and Deputy Head of Department, before taking early retirement. He is currently a teaching assistant at St Mary’s, Menston, working with children who need additional help to achieve their full potential. He combines this with a volunteer role supporting Oxfam.

Mr O’Connor said: “I feel privileged to have been selected as the Labour candidate for Wharfedale in the Bradford Council 2024 elections. I am incredibly excited about the upcoming campaign. I know from talking to Chris Steele, Wharfedale’s sitting Labour Councillor, that being a local representative is about hard work, representing everybody who lives in the area. I’m looking forward to working with Chris, redoubling our efforts to resolve the issues the people of Burley and Menston face and to give them an even stronger voice in City Hall.”

Wharfedale Labour chair Fiona Pacey said: “I’m looking forward to campaigning for Bernard, who will be a really good councillor for Wharfedale. He is passionate about the environment and breaking down the barriers to opportunity so that every young person is ready to succeed in work and in life. Should Bernard be elected next May, having two Labour Councillors will be a real boost to improving our area.”

Elections are due to take place for local councils and mayors in England, and police and crime commissioners in England and Wales, on May 2 2024.