Wakefield and Rothwell Conservatives

13/10/2026

REFORM PLANS TO SCRAP TWO-HOUR FREE PARKING!

Wakefield’s Reform-led Council is proposing to scrap two-hour free parking and increase charges at most council car parks.

Wakefield Conservatives have long campaigned for free parking to support our high streets, local businesses and shoppers.

At a time when our town centres need all the help they can get, why make it more expensive to shop locally?

The decision is due on Tuesday 20 October.

💙 Wakefield Conservatives oppose these proposals and urge Reform to think again!

👇 Do you agree? Have your say and share this post!

07/10/2026

Kemi Badenoch announces tax cut plans ahead of Conservative Conference speech

04/10/2026

🏆 WHAT A WELCOME HOME! 🔴⚪🔵

Fantastic scenes in Wakefield city centre today as the Super League Champions returned home to an incredible reception.

What a team. What a city. What a moment.

UP THE TRIN! 🏆🏉

03/10/2026

🏆 CHAMPIONS! What a night for Wakefield!

Wakefield Trinity 23–10 Warrington Wolves

After 58 years, Trinity are champions again. Huge congratulations to the players, staff and supporters.

UP THE TRIN! 🔴⚪🔵🏉🏆

03/10/2026

02/10/2026

UP THE TRIN! 🔴⚪🔵🏉

A proud moment for our city. Go make history! 🏆

24/09/2026

UPDATE: M&S HAS RESPONDED

We have now received a direct response from M&S following our letter to Chief Executive Stuart Machin.

M&S has confirmed that it does not believe its existing Kirkgate store has a sustainable future and says it will not retain an M&S presence in Wakefield city centre.

The existing store is intended to remain open until the new City Fields Foodhall opens, allowing colleagues to transfer across.

We are naturally disappointed, particularly after hearing from so many residents about the importance of the city-centre location, clothing range, cafe and accessibility.

Nevertheless, we thank M&S for responding directly to our representations.

Attention must now also turn to the future of The Ridings and Wakefield city centre once M&S leaves.
Wakefield Council
Wakefield Express
Marks and Spencer

22/09/2026

Our letter to M&S has now been covered by the Wakefield Express

We have asked M&S to consider whether there is a commercially viable way of retaining a meaningful presence in Wakefield city centre before the existing store closes.

M&S has now also been approached by the Wakefield Express for comment.t

Conservatives' plea to Marks and Spencer over Wakefield store in The Ridings

18/09/2026

M&S and the future of Wakefield city centre

We have written to the Chief Executive of M&S asking whether options could be explored to retain an M&S presence in The Ridings, alongside or instead of the proposed City Fields Foodhall.

Our letter is below. 👇
Wakefield Council
Marks and Spencer