"I will be a strong local voice for the residents of Worth Valley"

Kay Kirkham is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Worth Valley by-election to Bradford Council 🟠

The Worth Valley deserves a councillor who understands village life, listens to residents and is prepared to challenge Bradford Council, which too often puts wasteful spending and city-centre priorities ahead of local communities. That is why the Liberal Democrats are pleased to be standing Kay Kirkham as our candidate in this by-election.

The Worth Valley comprises proud, distinctive villages large and small, with strong communities such as Haworth, Oxenhope and Oakworth. Yet too often residents feel that Bradford Council overlooks places like ours while pouring money into the city centre and larger towns.

The Liberal Democrats believe that villages and neighbourhoods should be treated fairly, with proper investment in local services and infrastructure, not left to fight for scraps.

Kay brings both local understanding and real experience to this campaign. She lives in Harden village, just outside the ward, and serves as a parish councillor, giving her day-to-day experience of the challenges facing village communities.

Before retiring, Kay worked in a range of local government roles across the country, so she knows how councils should work for residents and how badly things can go wrong when they don’t.

A key priority for Kay and the Liberal Democrats is stronger enforcement against those who break the rules. Whether it is fly-tipping, environmental crime, poorly maintained properties or parking problems, residents across the Worth Valley are fed up with a lack of action.

The Liberal Democrats want a council that backs up rules with real enforcement, protects the local environment and stands up for people who do the right thing.

Kay will also continue the Liberal Democrat challenge to Labour’s wasteful spending at Bradford Council. Time and again, residents are told there is no money for basic services, while millions are spent on risky commercial investments and city-centre schemes that deliver little benefit to village communities.

Liberal Democrats believe council tax should be spent on clean streets, safe neighbourhoods, decent services and real investment in local areas – not Labour’s pet projects that fail to deliver value for money.

Keeping people safe, especially children and vulnerable residents, must always come first. The Liberal Democrats in Bradford have consistently demanded a full and independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation, to ensure that past failures are properly examined and that safeguarding is never again treated as a secondary concern. Kay fully supports this demand. Survivors deserve truth, accountability and meaningful change, not excuses or delay.

As a party, the Liberal Democrats also stand firmly behind rural communities and local farmers. National Liberal Democrat policies support sustainable farming, fair funding and thriving rural economies, issues that matter to the Worth Valley and the surrounding countryside.

Kay will be a strong voice for protecting green spaces, supporting rural livelihoods and ensuring environmental policies are practical and fair.

Outside council work, Kay is a keen Middlesbrough FC supporter, reminding us that she brings loyalty, determination and straight-talking honesty to everything she does.

This by-election is a chance for the Worth Valley to send a clear message to Bradford Council: villages matter, neighbourhoods matter and residents deserve better.

By voting Liberal Democrat and backing Kay Kirkham, local people can elect a councillor who will work hard, speak up fearlessly and always put the Worth Valley first.