Janine GriffithsCouncillor Paula-Jane Thackray has announced her resignation from Leeds City Council, citing an internal party dispute and online abuse that affected her family and friends.
The councillor, who represents Cross Gates and Whinmoor in East Leeds, confirmed her decision in a statement published on Facebook.
Her announcement follows her earlier departure from Reform UK, alongside fellow East Leeds councillor David Dresser.
In her statement, Thackray said: “After careful consideration, I have decided to resign as a councillor.”
She explained that an internal party matter had led to her suspension and resulted in considerable online abuse.
Thackray said: “An internal party matter, which I believe should have been resolved privately, led to my suspension and exposed me to considerable online abuse.”
She added: “The impact on me and, more importantly, on my family and friends has led me to conclude that stepping away from public office is the right decision.”
The resignation marks the end of Thackray’s time representing Cross Gates and Whinmoor on Leeds City Council.
Despite the circumstances surrounding her departure, she expressed her gratitude to local residents for their support.
She said: “I remain deeply grateful to the residents who placed their trust in me. It has been a privilege to represent Cross Gates & Whinmoor, and I sincerely thank everyone who has supported me during my time as your councillor.”
Thackray was elected to Leeds City Council in May 2026, securing 3,013 votes as Reform UK’s candidate for Cross Gates and Whinmoor.
However, her time in office was marked by a recent change in political affiliation.
As previously reported by East Side Story, Thackray and Councillor David Dresser, who represents Killingbeck and Seacroft, left Reform UK in October.
The pair subsequently formed Leeds First Independents, with Thackray becoming group leader and Dresser serving as deputy leader and whip.
Their departures followed suspensions from Reform UK pending an internal investigation. The party did not publicly disclose the reasons behind the suspensions.
Thackray’s latest announcement brings a further change to the political representation of Cross Gates and Whinmoor, just months after her election.
The ward seat is now recorded as vacant by Open Council Data UK.
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