The Beeston & Holbeck Labour Party has selected Al Garthwaite to be the Labour candidate for the 2026 local elections in the Beeston & Holbeck ward. This follows Cllr Annie Maloney choosing not to seek re-election for personal reasons.
Al Garthwaite is a local resident, former councillor and Lord Mayor of Leeds, and a long term women’s and community activist.
Cllr Andrew Scopes (Labour, Beeston & Holbeck) said:
“I’d like to start by thanking Annie for her service to our community! – you’ll be missed.
“I’m looking forward to working with Al to get her elected in May and to continue the good work we’re doing here in our ward. We’re in a time of so much division and anger, we hope to bring a positive message of community power in our campaign.”
Al Garthwaite said:
“I’m delighted to have been selected in the ward where I’ve lived most of my life, and where I already do a lot in the local community. I look forward to working with Shaf and Andrew to make our area the best it can be. I’ll also use my platform to empower women and challenge all discrimination and inequality. Many thanks to Annie for representing our community since 2021.”
Councillor Shaf Ali said:
“A big thank you to Annie Maloney for all the work she has done for the Beeston & Holbeck community over the past few years. We are grateful for your hard work, determination, and dedication. You will be remembered for your commitment, and we will surely miss you as a colleague.
“We also welcome Al Garthwaite, our local hero and former Lord Mayor, who has worked with many organisations to support our community. Her experience will be a real benefit for Beeston & Holbeck.
“As local councillors, my colleagues and I have always fought to protect services and support for our area. I look forward to working with Al Garthwaite in the future.”
This post is based on a press release issued by Cllr Andrew Scopes
Details of all candidates taking part in next May’s local elections will be published on South Leeds Life ahead of the poll.
Photo L-R: Cllr Andrew Scopes, Al Garthwaite, Cllr Shaf Ali
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