Your chance to quiz Leeds election vote hopefuls on the big issues

Residents will challenge civic and business leaders about mental health services, work opportunities and wage improvements tomorrow in the run up to the Leeds local election next month.
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Leeds Citizens, a branch of “community organising” charity Citizens UK, is hosting an Accountability Assembly tomorrow (April 19) at City Varieties Music Hall.

Those set to be quizzed by members of a hundreds-strong audience include Coun Judith Blake for Labour, Coun Alan Lamb for the Conservatives and Coun Stewart Golton for the Liberal Democrats.

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Leeds United managing director Angus Kinnear, president of Leeds Law Society Bill Barton and Paul Taylor, business development manager at construction company Harris CM will also answer questions.

The Rt Rev Paul Slater, the Bishop of Kirkstall, Together for Peace’s Jill Mann and John Battle, former Leeds West MP, will chair the event.

The panel are expected to ask civic leaders to pledge to make improvements in three areas: improved mental health care in GP surgeries and workplaces; new work experience opportunities for young people; and a real Living Wage of £8.75 per hour for the city’s workers.

Darlin Nitcheu, a young Leeds Citizens member from Chapeltown, who has repeatedly struggled to find work, said: “I have applied for over 150 jobs.

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“The worst thing is that most of the time you get no feedback. Sometimes they say I lack experience. But how do you expect me to get experience, if you won’t give me a chance?

“I’m looking forward to the Leeds Citizens Assembly because I want business and civic leaders to work with us to increase work experience opportunities for young people.”

Bill Barton, from Leeds Law Society, said he wants to work to make Leeds a Living Wage city.

He said: “I’m proud that my own firm, Barton Legal, has been accredited as a real Living Wage employer. It makes good business sense and is the right thing to do.

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“As one of the world’s leading legal centres, Leeds has a great opportunity to lead the way in this initiative.”

Council elections take place on Thursday, May 3 across Leeds and the UK.

Tomorrow’s event is free and anyone can attend. It is due to begin at 7pm and finish at 9pm.

Register for tickets via Eventbrite: http://bit.ly/2CEshUg