James Baker stands down as Warley councillor

After over 10 years on Calderdale Council Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr James Baker will be standing down in May’s election. 

Cllr James Baker said: “It’s been a huge honour to represent Warley Ward and act as the leader of the Liberal Democrat group. I'm standing down to spend more time with my family, and focus on my work campaigning in digital rights issues with the Open Rights Group.”

“As president of Calderdale Liberal Democrat’s I’ll continue to play a role supporting local residents who want to be part of a progressive and Liberal movement in Calderdale. There is a long Pennine tradition of Liberalism within the Borough and the influence of Liberalism as a political movement can be seen everywhere from the old Crossley Liberal influence in places like People’s Park, Lord Shutt’s work with the  Calderdale Community foundation, and more recently Ward Forum budgets, community politics, and petition schemes that now actually trigger debates in the Council chamber.” 

The Liberal Democrat’s have selected Abigail Carr, a former teacher turned entrepreneur who established LoveScience, a company that delivers practical science classes for children to contest Cllr Baker’s Warley Ward seat in May‘s local election.  

Abigail Carr said: “There is a fantastic tradition Warley Ward of hard working Liberal Democrat Councillors that provide a progressive community focused opposition to Labour. I look forward to working with James, Cllr Amanda Parsons-Hulse and Cllr Ashley Evans. I’m particularly passionate about ensuring there are great activities and events for children and families in the area, as well as tackling the big issues that affect the ward such as speeding & dangerous driving, fly-tipping and litter.”