Steve Spoerry - Liberal Democrat Candidate for June 24th Election in Ben Rhydding

Steve Spoerry has been chosen by local Liberal Democrats to stand in the forthcoming by-election for the Ben Rhydding ward on Ilkley Town Council.

Steve has lived in Ben Rhydding with his family since 2010. His children went to Ben Rhydding Primary School and now attend Ilkley Grammar School where he was a parent governor for four years until 2019. During his time as a governor, he played an important role in ensuring that funding was found for new buildings so that there will continue to be a place at IGS for every local child.

Steve's early career was in the NHS, where he rose to be a Chief Executive. More recently he has worked in the private sector advising companies providing services to the NHS. During the pandemic, he has been working for the NHS on a temporary basis ensuring that hospitals in North Yorkshire have the capacity to treat patients.

He is strongly opposed to the planning proposals which would permit two large housing developments on the edge of Ben Rhydding. He attended a virtual meeting of concerned residents and subsequently submitted detailed objections to both proposals representing their views. He intends to use the right of Town Councils to be consulted on planning as a platform to campaign against the proposals.

Steve is a strong supporter of the Green/LibDem alliance that has been in the majority on the Town Council since 2019. He said - "I want to build on the many positive things our Town Council has done in the last two years. The declaration of a climate emergency and subsequent creation of the Ilkley sustainability plan has really impressed me. The openness to community groups of all kinds has helped the clean rivers campaign while a willingness to be constructive but firm with Bradford Council has yielded real benefits including the traffic lights at the Wheatley Lane railway bridge"

Mark Stidworthy the Liberal Democrat Mayor of Ilkley said - "Steve will make an excellent councillor. He is a determined advocate for our community and will add senior experience of public policy making."

If you want to get in touch with Steve please email s.j.spoerry@gmail.com