Ovenden Ward Labour

22/05/2026

Helen has served Ovenden for many years, and throughout the campaign it was clear she remained highly respected and well regarded within the community.

I’m sure many people will want to join in recognising and thanking her for her years of service. The work Helen put in made a huge difference to Ovenden, North Halifax and, in particular, to the children and young people of Calderdale. She dedicated a great deal of time and effort to supporting them during her time as a councillor and was always a very proud Corporate Parent.

Recognition should also go to Jane and Tim, two incredibly hard-working and committed councillors who served their residents and wards exceptionally well. Beyond their own wards, their contribution as local leaders across Calderdale and West Yorkshire is something that will be recognised and remembered for many years to come.

At this week’s council AGM, we passed a vote of thanks to a large number of hard-working and community-focussed councillors from across the political spectrum, who either retired or were not returned at the election - 38 of them in total!

While there isn’t space to mention everyone individually, we want to place on record our sincere thanks to them all for the service they have given to our borough - often over many years and in some cases decades. Public service can be demanding and too often thankless, but the overwhelming majority of councillors of all parties enter public life for the right reasons and most work tirelessly on behalf of their communities.

That includes former Councillor Helen Rivron, whose remarkable service spanned more than three decades.

We also want to give an extra special thank you to former Councillor Tim Swift and former Councillor Jane Scullion for the leadership they provided to this borough over most of the last 14 years. Through some of the most turbulent periods in recent history - including austerity, flooding and covid - they led with vision, dedication and ambition, helping to ensure that our borough remained forward-thinking and aspirational throughout.

Whatever our political differences, everyone who has worked hard for our communities in public office deserves recognition and thanks for their contribution.

06/05/2026

Have you ever seen a more beautiful campaign mascot ?

Yesterday Danielle’s goddaughter was really pleased to have a read of Calderdale Labours 'Programme for Action' she could see all the positives in there and even saw a couple of people she knows too!

If you would like to read it before voting tomorrow let us know and we will pop you a copy by ❤️🌹❤️

06/05/2026

A few weeks ago Mike & Stuart were on Ovenden Avenue and noticed part of the fencing Together Housing put round the grassy area between there and Ovenden Green had been dismantled. ASB bikers and Quads could easily gain access again.

We showed Together Housing who've confirmed it will be inspected and repaired, possibly with materials that'll be more difficult to damage our dismantle.


all 3 votes

04/05/2026

Since being on Cabinet ive been very proud that the responsibility to support our Armed Forces community in Calderdale is in my portfolio.

I am also the 'Armed Forces Champion' for Calderdale.

This feels particularly poignant as my colleague and friend the late Cllr Bryan Smith was a strong Champion of the Armed Forces and would always ensure he strongly advocated for the community.

I'm sure many of us are linked closely and my nephew served until recently in the Yorkshire Regiment too so knowing how important the support is for veterans to be able to settle back into their community or new communities is key.

By committing to the Covenant in Calderdale it shows we’re proud to stand by our Armed Forces community and not just in words, but in action.

Remembering. Respecting. Supporting.

💬 If you or someone you know is part of the Armed Forces community, you can find support here:

https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/communities/armed-forces.

03/05/2026

Introducing our 3rd for the Ovenden Ward Mike Barnes..... 🤝🌟

I thought I would take this opportunity to both explain more about me and why I decided to stand for council this year.

I was a councillor in Skircoat up until 2025 when, for private and personal reasons, I had to stand down. Those that know me are fully aware that I didn’t stand for altruistic, personal or monetary reasons but because I felt I could make a difference. This meant a lot of hard work and commitment and when I couldn’t perform the role up to my high standard, I felt I had no option but to step back. It would have been far easier to continue for another year, take the money and “just do the job”. But that’s not me.

When the party selected its 2026 candidates in late 2025, I still did not feel able to throw my hat back into the ring, and elected not to stand. However, when our third candidate in Ovenden had to withdraw at the last minute, my good friend Councillor Cairney asked me if I was ready to come back - to stand next to both him and Danielle. After speaking with my family, I realised I was, and decided to accept that offer.

So, what are you going to get if I’m fortunate enough to be elected? Someone who has experience of the council, someone who believes that there is no substitute for hard work (as evidenced by my previous turn as councillor), someone who works with everybody in the community and, finally, an individual who is not afraid to stand up for what is right even if it means going against the local party – I would point out the work I did on changing cabinet’s decision re parking charges.

You’ll see a lot of promises made by various people. It is easy to sit on the sidelines, be a keyboard warrior, carp and criticise. You won’t get that from me. If I make a mistake, I’m the first to admit and acknowledge that. If I get it right, I am the last to shout out about it. This is not about me but rather what I can bring - and I have brought a lot to the community and hope to bring even more in the coming weeks, months and years. 🌟🤝👏

03/05/2026

I'm Stuart Cairney - Labour & Cooperative councillor for the Ovenden Ward,

I've been grateful to represent you for the last few years and believe I've done that well, I work hard for Ovenden and will continue to do so!

Whether that’s pushing for safer roads, supporting families through difficult periods, or responding to residents about local issues I've been there!

This election isn’t about big promises. It’s about who you trust to actually deliver, who's there when needed.

I've been committed to helping and my work and the outcomes have proven that, whether its:

🎢a big piece of work like the Myrtle Park refurb after a resident contacted us after her children couldn't use it as the equipment was so broken and unusable
💷something more personal like supporting families who are impacted by increasing costs whilst their bills rise
🏘helping people with housing issues
🛣supporting resident calls for the resurfacing of City Lane

I've offered my support to what matters ♥️

I hope you will continue to trust in me and will vote for me on May 7th. 🗳 ✅️✔️