Leeds Central is an inner-city constituency, with wards that are among the most deprived in the country. It covers the city centre, Woodhouse, Little London, Lincoln Green, Richmond Hill, Osmondthorpe, Halton Moor, Hunslet, Belle Isle, Beeston, Holbeck, Cottingley and New Wortley.

Over the years, the city’s growth has been built on both its diversity and capacity to change with the times.

That diversity is reflected in the constituency. Starting from the north, it covers the area around the two universities, the two hospitals (’Jimmy’s’ and the LGI), and the West Yorkshire playhouse. It then runs down across a thriving city centre, over the River Aire, and on to Holbeck, Hunslet and Beeston, taking in Leeds Utd FC at Elland Road as well as a large area of manufacturing. From Cottingley in the west to Richmond Hill in the east along the York road, each is a unique community with its own characteristics and traditions.

Labour working in Leeds Central

Thanks to Labour’s careful handling of the economy, we now have stability, low interest rates and two million more people in work. Our investment in extra police officers and community support officers, and touch action against those who make others’ lives a misery, is beginning to make a difference. And our anti-social behaviour orders are helping too, as we have seen in parts of Leeds Central such as Little London.

Improving health and education

We’re also building new schools - a high school in South Leeds, and new primaries in West Hunslet and Halton Moor. And school results continue to improve thanks to the hard work of teachers and - of course -pupils.

Labour’s investment in the NHS is now making itself felt, with more doctors and nursesm and our new pledge that by 2008 no-one will have to wait more than 18 wweks for hospital treatment. We’re also investing in new facilities, like the state-of-the-art cancer centre being built at St. James’ Hospital and new health centres in Beaston Village and Dewsbury Road.

Building stable communities

Community spirit is very important and we should support local people who are working so hard in running residents associations, sports clubs, community groups, looking after the elderly, caring for the environment, and campaigning on issues we care about. Leeds also has a long and proud tradition of welcoming newcomers to the city, who have contributed so much, while the Government is also making sure that the asylum rules are fairly and properly applied.

Leeds Central