DISTRICT Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, who represents Ilkley as an independent on Bradford Council, has announced her intention to stand for re-election in May 2024.

Cllr Hawkesworth said: “As the political parties have announced their candidates for future district council election in May I have been approached by Ilkley residents asking me to confirm that I will remain a councillor.

"My answer has been and is a resounding 'yes' - I intend to be a candidate. However, only the residents can retain me as a councillor. That is in their hands.

"The term will be for only two years and as such it is not looking too far into the future.

"Of course, as is currently the case, I will continue to work with my colleagues from Ilkley as appropriate.

"If the residents support me and I am successful for those two years it will be a record as I will be probably the longest serving councillor ever on Bradford Council. Also the the longest serving councillor representing Ilkley. What an honour it is to represent the residents of our wonderful town.

"I truly believe that Ilkley needs a councillor to represent the residents rather than a political party. I have been honoured to do that. Ilkley means a lot to me and particularly in the past two years my involvement within the town has been a great comfort to me personally. Let the battle begin."

Cllr Hawkesworth, of Ben Rhydding, was first elected to Bradford Council in 1990, originally as a Conservative councillor. She was Conservative group leader until 2011 and was the environment portfolio holder on the Council’s executive for nine years.

In 2013 she left the Conservative group to sit as an Independent councillor, citing her “dismay” with the leadership style of Bradford Tory group leader at the time and concerns about the Government’s planning policies.

Cllr Hawkesworth added: "The term for election in May 2024 is only two years due to an 'all out' in 2026. The 'all out' is triggered because of the boundary changes."