Coventry Conservatives have this week announced that Leon Emirali has been selected to stand as their candidate for the vacancy in Sherbourne that follows the decision of long serving Councillor Gary Ridley to retire from the City Council in May.
Leon Emirali is looking forward to campaigning on the issues that count to local people and continuing Cllr Ridley’s service in the communities of Coundon, Chapelfields and Spon End that make up Sherbourne Ward. Leon is currently studying Communication, Culture and Media at Coventry University and runs a small media agency designed to help growing businesses market their services. Leon is committed to Sherbourne after making Coventry his home, moving from Bedfordshire to study 3 years ago, and is looking to take a make a difference after he finishes his studies in May.
He has already been playing an active part in the community; producing and presenting local radio shows and working hard to promote Coventry’s participation in hosting football matches for the upcoming 2012 Olympic games via online media.
Leon says his key priority will be campaigning to improve local services and has confirmed he will be opposing the Labour Party’s proposal to close Coundon Children’s Centre; a vital service for local families.
Leon commented: “Cllr Ridley has been relentless in his commitment to the residents of Sherbourne since being elected nearly ten years ago. If elected I hope to continue his dedication and represent the residents of Sherbourne regarding the issues that matter.”
“There are real issues facing local communities such as the proposal for a new Tesco store on Holyhead Road, which Cllr Ridley has strongly opposed on behalf of residents and local businesses, and the proposal from the Labour administration to close Coundon Children’s Centre. I will be campaigning on the side of local people and make sure that I represent the views of those living in Coundon, Chapelfields and Spon End to the Council, not the Council’s views to them. I believe local people want someone who has fresh ideas to deliver change, not just someone who can repeat simplistic party political attacks.”
Cllr Ridley, who was the same age as Leon when first elected in 2002, is moving onto fresh challenges and has been delighted to endorse Leon for May’s City Council elections. Gary said: “Leon is young, enthusiastic and keen to get things done. I know that the people of Sherbourne want visible and active representatives fighting for them on the issues that count. I believe Leon is just that type of person and someone who will make a difference for local people."