City deputy leader among wave of councillors not seeking re-election
SHE WAS widely respected both inside and outside Yorkshire’s largest council as a hands-on politician who exemplified the human face of local Government, and was tipped by some as a future leader.
But after 10 years as a Leeds city councillor – in which she spearheaded Leeds’s recovery from the devastating floods of 2015 and held two high-profile cabinet portfolios – Lucinda Yeadon has decided to step down from her role at next year’s all-out local elections.
As well as representing the Kirkstall ward and holding the environment portfolio, Coun Yeadon, 36, is currently one of Leeds Council’s two deputy leaders.
She is one of a wave of councillors from the ruling Labour group who have decided not to stand for re-election in May 2018, when all of Leeds 99 seats across 33 wards will be up for grabs.
The party has been holding a series of selection meetings across the city this month.
A full list of names is yet to be published, but also not standing again are former cabinet member Adam Ogilvie, and his Beeston and Holbeck ward colleague – and former Leeds Lord Mayor – David Congreve. The Yorkshire
Post understands at least 14 sitting Labour councillors in Leeds are not seeking re-election.
Coun Yeadon said: “It’s been 10 years and I’ve loved every minute of it. But it’s time for me to have a new challenge – and start a new chapter.”
She said there had been “so many highlights” of her tenure, the city’s hosting of the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2014 being just one of them.
But being involved with the city’s flood recovery effort would remain the “most significant” memory of her political career.
“It was a life-changing experience to be part of something so much bigger than yourself,” she said.
Coun Yeadon has not ruled out a return to politics.
But she said she was hopeful for the future of the city - and the direction and vision of the council. “I work with a lot of incredibly committed, talented people who want the best for the city,” she said.