As the nights are getting shorter and Christmas is approaching my campaign to represent Leeds West in parliament has been busier than ever this month. Here are a few highlights:

Local campaigning

This month we have continued to deliver our leaflet in Kirkstall, which looks at local issues including the continuing bin strike and the proposed waste transfer site. We have also produced a leaflet for Bramley, which covers the new Leeds West Academy and a range of other local stories. We have been hard at work delivering both of these leaflets, but if you haven’t had one and would like me to send you one then please do get in touch.

Remembrance Sunday

This year’s Remembrance Sunday had a slightly different feel to previous years, as this was the first year that we were without any survivors of the First World War. I spent my morning at the Gott’s Park memorial in Armley, and also leafleting on behalf of Hope Not Hate in Bramley, who provide a positive alternative to the BNP’s politics of hate.
The leaflet includes information on the BNP's politics of hate, Nick Griffin's history of Fascism and the contributions of non-white and non-British soldiers against Nazism in the World Wars. Again, if you would like a copy then please let me know.

The continuing bin strike

You will be painfully aware that the bin strike in Leeds continues. Council Leaders Richard Brett (Lib Dem) and Andrew Carter (Tory) have taken the issue national this month, by writing to the Guardian, and my response was published, attacking their approach to the issue.

Support for local businesses

This month I have visited a range of local businesses, and have had the chance to speak in support of them on TV twice. If you didn’t see my 3 minute programme on Channel 4 a couple of weeks ago then please find it in the news section. I also had the chance to speak about local businesses in Leeds West on the Politics Show on Sunday. Small businesses really are the backbone of our economy, and I will continue to support them at every opportunity.

Work continues in Armley with re-flagging the pavements - which is looking great, and the new sports centre is also beginning to take shape. A shop local scheme will start soon - to support local businesses and our community.

In a recent article I highlight the importance of local and regional economic strategies. You can see this article at: http://www.progressonline.org.uk/columns/column.asp?c=290.

Parent ambassadors

One of the great things about my job is the chance it gives me to meet some inspirational people - not least the Farnley Parent Ambassadors. This group of parents are working to engage other parents in their childrens' education and to get new skills themselves. They offer a fantastic story of how people can make a real difference.

Over the next month I will continue to campaign in Leeds West, as well as writing on Third Sector issues, releasing a pamphlet on the Copenhagen summit on cimate change, and many other things. I'll be keeping this site up to date as I go!