Leek East – Councillor Darren Price’s Report

As I handed in my nomination papers and officially become a candidate again for the Leek East seat that I have represented since my by-election victory in the summer on 2017 it’s a good time to reflect on the positives of the last almost two years.

1. The biggest positive has been representing the ward where I live with my wife Deborah and our two children Martha and Stan.  Where our business British Boxers is located and where our children go to two fabulous schools, The Meadows and All Saints respectively.  It is also a privilege to have been a Governor at the latter for almost 9 years. I spend most of my life in the ward, so I know many of the issues first hand!
2. Being a part of successful local campaigns to save local services.  The schools crossing patrols were only saved from being cut by the Conservative council in Stafford after a fantastic campaign led by your Labour Councillors across the county and we continue to fight for the future of our Leek Moorlands Hospital as we have from the outset.  With a Conservative Government and a Conservative County and District Council it’s all the more important that you have Labour Councillors fighting to protect our vital services from the Tory axe. 
3. Working with a very well-organised Labour Group on Staffordshire Moorlands District Council we have truly been punching above our weight.  Shining a light on an all too cosy Conservative administration, exposing a lack of delivery and even suspected corruption that has led to three Tory Councillors having been found to not meet the standards required in public life in the last term alone.  With more Councillors elected we could do even more.
4. Supporting many fantastic local groups and clubs with my Councillor Community Fund.  These have been focused on areas close to my heart, disability, education and sport.  Since 2017 I have supported Leek Town AC FC, The Gateway Club, The Be You Crew, @21 Youth Project, Leek RUFC junior rugby and the PTFA’s of both All Saints First School and Leek First School.  Being able to help such fantastic volunteer-led groups is a real highlight of being a Councillor.
5. Working to serve my constituents by doing what Councillors call ‘casework’.  This has included sorting out illegally dumped rubbish, issues over anti-social behaviour, having dangerous trees assessed and the removed, problems over parking, helping with housing and support issues for vulnerable residents and much more.  This is without doubt the main role of being a Councillor and whilst you can’t always get the results that you want, you can always keep fighting for the best deal for the people of Leek East!
6. Using my professional experience to help in many planning matters both in Leek East and in the wider Moorlands.  This has included speaking at planning committee, at appeals and at the public hearing into the Local Plan.  It has also included being one of the instigators of the ‘Love Leek’ Neighbourhood Plan which has already involved hundreds of local residents and will give the community a real say in the future direction and development of our fantastic town. 
7. Finally, Some things I haven’t done since being elected almost two years ago.   I haven’t avoided paying my council tax.  I haven’t tried to use my position to feather my own nest.  I haven’t tried to defend the indefensible. Like all of my Labour colleagues I haven’t been before the Standards Committee and I haven’t made a host of unsubstantiated and unrealistic promises.  I promise that won’t do any of those things if you re-elect me on May 2^nd either.