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A Selby MP is pushing to revive historic pubs in East Leeds, which have been closed for years.
Keir Mather, 25, who was re-elected last month is on a mission to reopen the Moorgate in Kippax and the Blands Arms in Micklefield. He believes that reopening these local establishments is crucial to restoring a sense of community.
The MP is also exploring plans to establish a village shop in Micklefield.
“These places provide a social aspect to people. I’ve been doing work to get them to reopen,” he said in an interview published by the YEP, adding: “It’s about engaging with the owners and working constructively to make that a reality.”
Mather’s new constituency covers parts of East Leeds, including Kippax and Methley, after boundary changes. In these areas, he pledged to improve local healthcare services and tackling the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Mather made history last year by winning the former Selby and Ainsty seat with Labour’s largest-ever by-election majority. He was re-elected last month with a 10,000-vote margin in his new constituency, which straddles the border between West and North Yorkshire.
“Winning the by-election was the privilege of my life, and this last year has shown me the power that a local MP has to make a difference in their community. I’m really pleased that people decided to put their faith in me at the general election. I’m going to be working as hard as I can to continue the work I’ve been doing,” he noted.
As part of his campaign, Mather said that reducing crime and anti-social behaviour are other key goals that he hopes to achieve by helping to provide more opportunities for young people in Kippax.
He initially attracted media attention as the youngest serving MP, but he has since passed that title to 22-year-old Labour MP Sam Carling.
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