Cllr Cahal Burke of Lindley Ward has been selected by Colne Valley Liberal Democrats to fight the Constituency seat in the upcoming General Election.

A former teacher, Cahal was elected to Kirklees Council for the first time in May 2010, being returned for a second time in last May Local Elections with a 1144 vote majority.

Chair of Lindley Community Group, a volunteer organisation responsible for Lindley Carnival and Lindley 10K, Cahal is well respected in the constituency for his hard work as a local councillor and he hopes this will translate to support at this year’s General Election.

As well as running for parliament, Cllr Burke will be supporting Lib Dem colleague Richard Eastwood in his campaign to be elected at a Lindley Councillor for the first time.

Cllr Burke said:

“I am delighted to have been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Colne Valley and I look forward to fighting a positive campaign based on my track record and the positive things Liberal Democrats have achieved in Government.

It is quite clear that the majority of the fair, constructive and progressive Government policy that has emerged over the last five years has come from the Liberal Democrats. Our income tax policy, for example, has given 26 million people a £800 a year tax cut. Our focus on apprenticeships has given 1.8 million people the opportunity to learn a trade or skill and build a better life for themselves. Our introduction of free school meals and the Pupil Premium has helped create an even playing field for millions of disadvantaged youngsters. And our prioritisation of funding for mental health services has ensured people get the help they need, when they need it. All of these policies are fair, empowering and progressive and would not have happened without Liberal Democrats in Government. There is a great deal we can be proud of and deserve credit for including stepping forward to give the UK a stable Government following the financial crisis; delivering the country back to growth and holding back the worst excesses of the Tories. Looking to the future, I want to see a UK Government that enables people to take charge of their lives and fulfill their potential in a free, fair and open society.

My priorities include:

– Making certain NHS funding is increased by £8bn in real terms by 2020 which the Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to making happen

– Reducing the cost of living via the introduction and/or expansion of further socially progressive policies such as income tax cuts for low and medium earners, affordable and free child care and free school meals.

– Creating a better controlled immigration system with exit checks. The coalition has already helped cut immigration by a third and ensured that skilled migrants are able to live and work in the UK easily but more needs to be done

– Ensuring young children have the support they need to succeed in later life by introducing and expanding socially progressive policies like the pupil premium and free & affordable child care.”

Find out more about Cahal Burke: http://cahalburke.mycouncillor.org.uk/about/