West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing & Crime

12/09/2026

Shanah Tovah to all our region’s Jewish communities celebrating Rosh Hashanah this weekend.

Today is Rosh Hashanah. 🍎

Wishing West Yorkshire's Jewish community a happy and healthy new year.

01/09/2026

Today I was honoured to be sworn into UK House of Lords as Baroness Lowe of Armley.

A moment that makes me think of my parents, whose values of fairness, hard work and service have guided me throughout my life.

I look forward to championing the communities of West Yorkshire.

24/08/2026

Every vulnerable adult deserves support when they need it most

The Mayor of West Yorkshire’s Appropriate Adult Service helps ensure those in police custody have someone independent by their side, helping them understand what's happening and making sure their rights and welfare are protected.

Thanks to our incredible team of 72 active volunteers, the service responds to around 700 call-outs every quarter, with volunteers covering 79% of requests for support.

Our volunteers make a real difference to vulnerable people across our county every day, providing reassurance, support and advocacy at what can be a difficult and confusing time.

If you'd like to find out more about joining our dedicated team of volunteers and supporting vulnerable adults in your community, we'd love to hear from you https://www.restorativesolutions.org.uk/what-we-do/appropriate-adult/appropriate-adult-west-yorkshire

24/08/2026

No family should have to suffer the devastating consequences of knife crime.

Here in West Yorkshire we’ve made tackling it one of our top priorities.

There are currently knife amnesty bins in Dewsbury, Halifax, Leeds and Wakefield with the support of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership.

More information about their locations is available here: https://www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/resources/knife-bin-amnesty/

22/08/2026

Reporting information to Crimestoppers is always anonymous.

We're supporting the independent charity to tackle knife crime in Wakefield in partnership with community groups, Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police.

Help us keep West Yorkshire safer by reporting illegal sale of knives.

Visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or call 0800 555 111.

10/08/2026

Briony’s son Joe didn’t feel able to speak up after being a victim of abuse at 16.

Only years later did he tell his mum what had happened.

I visited an exhibition in Castleford she organised in his memory, which reflects on the impact of not speaking out after abuse.

Victims of crime are not alone and can ask for help whenever they need it.

Through our new strategy we’re improving support for victims, survivors and witnesses across our region’s criminal justice system.

Find out more: https://www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/policing-and-crime/support-for-victims-and-witnesses/

05/08/2026

New knife surrender bins have been installed in Dewsbury, Halifax, Leeds and Wakefield.

We’ve seen the devasting impact knife crime can have on victims, loved ones and our communities so must do everything we can to prevent that harm from happening in the first place.

Thanks to the Home Office , supported by our local councils and the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, these bins provide a safe way for people to dispose of knives and make a positive choice.

Details of the locations ➡️ https://www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/resources/knife-bin-amnesty/

04/08/2026

Great to be on BBC Leeds this morning to answer all your questions.

On Message the Mayor we discussed efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour, illegal use of e-bikes, what the early release scheme means for West Yorkshire and how reducing knife crime will need all of us working together.