Helen Page Named Lib Dem Candidate for Guiseley Rawdon Ward 2026

Key Points

• Helen Page, a Yeadon mum, selected as Liberal Democrat candidate for Guiseley and Rawdon Ward in upcoming Leeds local elections.
• Lived in the area for over 20 years; moved with husband whose family has generational ties.
• Keen SEND campaigner and school governor at Queensway Primary School.
• Passionate about improving specialist education provision and residents’ lives in Aireborough.
• Criticised 63-week wait for son’s EHCP, which should take 20 weeks.
• Advocated for Queensway Primary amid past closure threats by Leeds City Council.
• Campaigned against parking charges at Netherfield Road carpark in Guiseley.
• Supported Save our Post 16 Transport campaign against SEND transport cuts.
• Scheduled to join regional protest on May 9 outside Leeds Art Gallery, organised by Save Our Children’s Rights campaign, from 11.30am-1.30pm.

YEADON, Leeds (The Leeds Times) April 24, 2026 – Helen Page, a local mother from Yeadon, has been announced as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Guiseley and Rawdon Ward in the forthcoming Leeds City Council local elections.

Who is Helen Page and Why Was She Selected as Candidate?

Helen Page, a resident of Yeadon for more than two decades, brings deep community roots to her candidacy. As reported in the initial announcement from local sources covering Leeds elections, she moved to the area with her husband, whose family has lived there for generations.

This long-term connection underscores her commitment to Guiseley, Rawdon, and the broader Aireborough area.

A dedicated campaigner for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Page serves as a school governor. Her selection by the Liberal Democrats highlights her focus on enhancing access to specialist education provision and improving daily life for residents.

“Over the years I have attended meetings, protested and sent emails but nothing ever seems to improve things,”

she stated, as quoted in the Yeadon and Guiseley election coverage. She highlighted her family’s personal struggle:

“We waited 63 weeks for an EHCP for my son that should have taken 20, it’s not good enough. That’s why I agreed to stand, our children and school staff deserve better.”

What Role Does Helen Page Play at Queensway Primary School?

Page’s involvement in local education is prominent through her governorship at Queensway Primary School. She has advocated for the school at every opportunity, including a speech at last year’s Liberal Democrat spring conference.

“Queensway is such a special place and so important to the community it serves,”

Page added in the announcement.

“Over time it has really evolved to meet the needs of its children despite Leeds City Council’s failed attempts to close the school. The limbo needs to end now, families and staff have been put through too much.”

This advocacy comes amid historical tensions, where the school adapted to community needs despite past closure proposals by Leeds City Council. Page’s efforts position her as a voice for educational stability in the ward.

Which Local Campaigns Has Helen Page Supported?

Beyond education, Page has engaged in practical community issues. She campaigned for an end to parking charges at the Netherfield Road carpark in Guiseley, addressing a key concern for local residents and businesses.

Additionally, she has backed the Save our Post 16 Transport campaign, which opposes proposed cuts to transport services for young people with SEND.

These efforts demonstrate her hands-on approach to ward-specific challenges, from accessibility to family support systems.

What Protest is Helen Page Joining on May 9?

On May 9, Page will join campaigners from across the region in Leeds for a protest against the government’s SEND white paper.

Organised by the Save Our Children’s Rights campaign, the event will occur outside Leeds Art Gallery from 11.30am to 1.30pm. It provides an opportunity for families to meet, share experiences, and raise awareness about systemic issues in SEND provision.

This upcoming action aligns with her candidacy platform, amplifying calls for better support in education and transport.

Background of the Development

The selection of Helen Page as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Guiseley and Rawdon Ward follows standard procedures for local election nominations in Leeds. The ward, part of the Aireborough area, encompasses Yeadon, Guiseley, and Rawdon, known for its community-focused issues like education, parking, and transport. Liberal Democrat branches in Leeds have been identifying candidates amid preparations for council elections, typically held annually for a third of seats.

Page’s nomination reflects the party’s emphasis on grassroots activists with local ties, building on their historical presence in the region. Her background in SEND advocacy emerges from broader national debates on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), where statutory timelines of 20 weeks are often exceeded, as noted in government reports.

Queensway Primary’s history includes resilience against closure threats in prior years, tied to council budget pressures. Campaigns like ending Netherfield Road parking charges and saving post-16 SEND transport stem from recent local consultations and regional funding disputes. The May 9 protest responds to the UK government’s SEND white paper, published to reform provision amid rising demand.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Local Residents and Families in Guiseley and Rawdon

This candidacy introduces a focused voice on SEND and community services into the Guiseley and Rawdon Ward election race. Local residents, particularly families with children needing specialist education, may see increased attention to EHCP delays and school support, potentially influencing council priorities if Liberal Democrats gain seats.

School staff and governors at institutions like Queensway Primary could benefit from advocacy against funding uncertainties. Drivers and shoppers in Guiseley might experience policy pushes on parking fees at Netherfield Road, affecting daily access. Young people with SEND relying on post-16 transport face sustained campaign pressure against cuts, which could stabilise services.

Broader Aireborough voters gain a candidate rooted in the area, likely prioritising resident welfare in council decisions. Participation in the May 9 protest could mobilise families, fostering networks that inform future ward representation. Outcomes depend on election results, but Page’s platform targets core local needs in education and accessibility.