Hi, I am Max! I am Leeds born and bred and I am passionate about my local community.

Full statement

I strive to improve the area I grew up in and want to ensure that all residents of Crossgates and Whinmoor feel proud of their area.

Firstly, a little information about myself. I grew up in Crossgates and attended the local state school: John Smeaton Academy. I then went onto Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College where I gained 4 x A* at A level. My next stop was University of Cambridge where I studied Geography for my first degree and then went on to do my masters. I feel that if you have a solid education, you can achieve anything you put your mind to.

I have strong experience in the charity sector working as a Digital Verification Analyst, using digital tools to combat misinformation and preserve human rights evidence in conflict zones. In addition to this I have worked in various roles spanning tutoring, conference logistics and even entertainment planning. I also volunteered for a variety of causes from drafting grant applications for solar energy funding in rural Malawi to planning applications to save historic pubs and everything in-between. Of course, I have also worked in part time/temporary jobs such as warehouse work and tour guiding. I feel that this as given me a broad range of experience however I am always eager to learn on the job- something I'm sure I would be doing a lot of as a local councillor.

I believe everyone should have equal opportunities to grow- whoever you are and wherever you come from. At university I put this philosophy into action by mentoring disadvantaged students and have volunteered with several organisations to improve access to higher education. With me as your councillor, I would continue my efforts by dealing with the local education authority, supporting community relations, and ensuring that the people of Crossgates and Whinmoor have the resources to achieve. It is important that young people are represented in local government too, as all too often their interests are overlooked. This is why I want to get involved locally and encourage the best from local people today.

My passion for politics is driven by my love for the environment. I was horrified when our Labour council wanted to build on our Green Belt by Thorpe Park- once it's gone it's gone and you can never get it back. What is the point of using hashtags and demonstrating about climate change if they don’t practice what they preach? I want to ensure that the upcoming development around the East Leeds Orbital Route is in the interests of the existing residents of our area. As a young person I absolutely recognise the need for housing; it just needs to be affordable, sustainable and appropriate. Further to this I am dismayed by the levels of antisocial behaviour amongst these new developments. This is simply unacceptable and if elected as councillor I would collaborate with existing efforts by Conservative councillors to support policing and enforcement. It is vital that all residents of Crossgates and Whinmoor are able to feel safe and secure in their local area.

More recently, I was at the protest against the sale of our historic Crossgates library building, and it reminded me of the time Labour wanted to sell Temple Newsam Golf club. Our Labour councillors voted against an independent amendment to save the library earlier this year. This is quite the contrast with their earlier photo opportunities feigning disappointment at the sale which was orchestrated by their own administration. We must find a permanent home for the library, as it is currently housed in the shopping centre and taxpayers money is being wasted on rent. I believe Labour would sell their own grandmother if they could get away with it! As a councillor I would recognise the value of our community spaces and push to repurpose them for present-day needs.

This area needs a change. For far too long Labour have taken the residents and businesses of Crossgates and Whinmoor for granted. I hope to offer fresh perspectives and an alternative voice for our local area.

Should you have any questions, I would be delighted to hear from you, and you can contact me at: eastleedstories@gmail.com