Ros has lived in Ben Rhydding for over 15 years with her husband and their children who attend the local secondary school.

Full statement

She has worked as a headteacher, teacher and academic and is a runner, cyclist and member of her local parish church supporting children’s work and Fairtrade.

Ros first got involved in local politics 10 years ago to represent the voices of residents not heard by Ilkley’s District and Town Councillors and MP. She was elected on to Ilkley Town Council and served for four years working hard as an unpaid councillor and Deputy Mayor. This gave Ros experience in getting things done for residents.

Ros says “Like many residents, I was shocked and outraged at the closing of Ilkley’s tip and oppose this. It is unfair and short-sighted economically and environmentally. Green Party councillors on Bradford Council also voted against this. Together with the Bradford Green councillors, I will continue to push for more action to tackle river pollution. I also share residents’ concerns about the lack of properly affordable housing in Ilkley and the need to resist the loss of Ilkley’s green belt within the Bradford District Local Plan.”

Ros also engages with the challenges and opportunities of Ilkley being a popular destination and seeks to alleviate areas of hidden need in our community and support local business sustainability. She is keen to listen to the concerns and ideas of all residents, including children and young people and has established good working relationships with a range of individuals, community groups and stakeholders.

Ros wants to continue to serve Ilkley’s residents well through holding both Bradford Council and Ilkley’s MP to account for decisions made at District and national level that impact Ilkley.

Ros has shown herself to be a strong, independently minded voice who can be counted on to stand up for local people, local services and our precious environment.

NB In addition to standing for election to Bradford Council, Ros Brown is also standing as a candidate for the Ilkley West Ward in the Ilkley Town Council by-election on May 2nd 2024.