THE Conservative candidate for West Yorkshire’s mayoral elections in May has been chosen.

Arnold Craven, who works in the energy sector, was selected by party members across the region.

He has worked on key investments across West Yorkshire, including the construction of The Broadway shopping centre in Bradford. 

Mr Craven has also worked on plans for a new rail station in Bradford city centre.

He says his campaign will focus on improving transport infrastructure, delivering homes for young people and adult education provision. 

“As someone who was born, educated and worked in West Yorkshire, I am honoured to be selected as the mayoral candidate,” Mr Craven said. 

“I believe West Yorkshire is already the best place in the world, and my campaign will focus on trying to make it even better.

“Devolution represents an amazing opportunity for everyone in West Yorkshire – including the business community and politicians - to work together and transform our region for the better.”

He added: “I will build a reliable and efficient mass transit system. I will deliver the homes our young people desperately need and I will make sure the adult education budget is being used properly to give people and businesses the skills we need.

“And finally, I will refocus the leadership of West Yorkshire Police towards investigating more crimes when they are reported.”

Who is Arnold Craven?

Leeds-born, Mr Craven grew up in Wakefield and Pontefract, before studying at the University of Leeds. 

After graduating, he started a career in property and development and worked on key investments across West Yorkshire, including the construction of the Broadway shopping centre in Bradford and the extension of the White Rose shopping centre near Leeds. 

He has also worked on plans for a new rail station in Bradford city centre.