After eight amazing years representing Wakefield Rural ward in the Ossett & Denby Dale constituency, I would like to thank the hundreds of determined residents, campaigners, community groups and businesses who strive to make the Wakefield District a place we can all be proud of. It has been the privilege of my life to serve you as your Councillor.

I’m proud of how we stood up for our green belt and farmland despite Wakefield Council’s planning and highways departments appearing determined to concrete over. I’m also proud of how we rallied around the NCMM employees on strike. Wakefield Rural will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will be keeping a close eye on the ward to ensure that none of the good work we did together is undone. I’m only ever at the end of the phone.

However, the recent Ridings fiasco and a string of scandals in and around the city centre have drawn me to focus my efforts elsewhere, particularly Wakefield West Ward, encompassing Thornes, Lupset, and the communities on the western approach to Wakefield city centre, stretching to Westgate & Kirkgate.

There are many new challenges to get stuck into and real changes needed to make this city work for residents again.

Our city centre needs fighting for again. Local residents need to be listened to again. And Wakefield deserves representatives who will stand up and speak out.

Should Reform UK form the next administration in Wakefield, I hope to be able to play my part in helping to deliver for all residents across the district.

Thank you again to everyone in Wakefield Rural who has supported me over the past eight years.

Cllr Samantha Harvey

My plan for Wakefield West Ward

  • Addressing issues such as youth disorder, drug activity, vehicle crime, and dangerous driving to improve safety across Wakefield West.

  • Managing the growth of HMOs while improving cleanliness, reducing fly-tipping, and maintaining stronger, more stable communities.

  • Introducing traffic calming in key areas like Thornes and ensuring new developments are supported by adequate infrastructure.

  • Working to restore pride in the city centre by encouraging diverse, family-friendly businesses and improving the overall environment while protecting our existing assets such as The Ridings Shopping Centre.