Mark Dobson welcomes public debate: “Let’s keep the argument about Garforth”

Independent Councillor Mark Dobson has welcomed the decision by members of the Garforth Neighbourhood Planning Forum (GNPF) to introduce themselves publicly and put their case for a Garforth Parish Council before residents at Monday’s meeting. 

Dobson says that bringing the people behind the proposal into the open and allowing residents to hear their arguments directly is exactly how he believes the debate should be conducted. However, he remains deeply unhappy about what he describes as an increasingly personal tone developing around the campaign – particularly on social media – and has questioned the authenticity and independence of some of the online activity surrounding the proposal. 

“At least they have stepped forward” 

Cllr Dobson said he was pleased that GNPF representatives had attended Monday’s meeting and were prepared to explain their position directly to the public. 

“I welcome the fact that on Monday members of the GNPF stood up, introduced themselves and made their case. That is what democracy should be about,” Cllr Dobson stated. “People can agree with them or disagree with them, but at least residents can now see who is putting the arguments forward and hear those arguments for themselves.” 

For Dobson, the fundamental issue is not who supports or opposes the proposal, but whether Garforth residents are given the information they need to make an informed decision about whether they want another tier of local government. 

Concerns over social media activity 

Where Dobson says he remains uncomfortable is with some of the activity taking place online. He has questioned some of the Facebook profiles appearing to support the campaign stating that some appear unusual or potentially artificially generated. He also questions the apparent nature of some local Facebook groups and whether they genuinely represent the breadth of opinion within Garforth. 

Dobson stressed that he is not accusing any particular individual of wrongdoing, but believes residents are entitled to ask who is behind online campaigning when those accounts are being used to influence a significant public debate. 

“There are some profiles and online accounts that, frankly, raise questions for me,” Dobson said. “Some appear to have very little genuine activity or very few connections, and there are accounts which give the impression of being created simply to take part in this particular argument. I’m not going to make allegations that I can’t substantiate. But I do think it is perfectly reasonable to ask who is behind these accounts and whether they genuinely represent local residents.” 

“The debate is becoming too personal” 

Dobson’s greater concern, however, is what he sees as a shift away from debating the merits of a parish council towards making the argument increasingly about individual councillors and the Garforth & Swillington Independents. He says that residents deserve a debate about cost, taxation, responsibilities, powers, local assets, planning and what a parish or town council would actually deliver – rather than a campaign focused on personalities. 

“I have always said: play the ball, not the man,” Dobson emphasised. “If you believe Garforth needs a parish council, then make the case. Tell people what it will cost, what it will do, what powers it will have and what difference it will make. But when the argument starts becoming about me or Garforth and Independents, rather than the proposal itself, I think we have lost sight of what this debate is actually about.” 

“Come and debate it with me” 

Dobson says he remains willing to debate the proposal publicly with those supporting it. 

“I welcomed them standing up on Monday and making their case. That is exactly what I have been asking for,” he said. “I am more than happy to sit down with them, in public, and debate the issues. I don’t need anonymous Facebook accounts or personal attacks. Put the arguments on the table and let residents decide. If you believe a parish council is right for Garforth, make that case. If you believe it isn’t, I will make my case. That’s democracy.” 

The proposed Community Governance Review will ultimately give residents the opportunity to express their views on the future governance arrangements for Garforth. Dobson says his message is simple: keep the debate factual, transparent and focused on the future of Garforth. 

“I want the best for Garforth. I want the best for Swillington, Great and Little Preston and Skelton Lakes,” Dobson concluded. “I don’t have a problem with people disagreeing with me. In fact, I welcome it. But let’s disagree about the issues. Let’s have a proper public debate, let’s be transparent about who’s making the arguments, and then let the people of Garforth decide.” 

The question for Garforth 

The debate now moves beyond personalities and social media. Residents are being asked to consider whether Garforth should have a new parish council, what that council would provide, what it would cost and whether an additional tier of local government would benefit the community. 

Dobson says that is where the focus should remain. 

“This isn’t about me. It isn’t about the Independents. And it shouldn’t be about personalities. It’s about whether Garforth wants or needs a parish council. Make the case. I’ll make mine. Then let the public decide.” 

With the Leeds City Council consultation running until 24 August 2026, residents still have the opportunity to make their views known. 

To find out more, get contact details or fill in the online survey, visit: www.leeds.gov.uk/GarforthCGR.  

Read our previous story on the Garforth Parish Council proposals.