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Local elections are coming up — 7 May 2026

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Councillor Candidate
Philip Anthony James

Philip Anthony James

Reform UK candidate for Birstall and Birkenshaw

Reform UK

Philip Anthony James, aged 51, was born in Thorpe Maternity Hospital, Sunderland on 14th September 1968. In 1974 his family moved to Brighouse, West Yorkshire, where he has lived ever since. Philip attended All Saints’ High School in Huddersfield and subsequently The Percival Whitley School of Further Education in Halifax. Philip has worked in the construction industry at both grass roots and executive level. He is currently a registered gas engineer and owns a small business in West Yorkshire. Philip is married with children and lives in Hove Edge, Brighouse. He is a valued member of the local community and a sponsor for the local cricket club in Southowram. He is a keen sportsman and anxious to promote the importance of sport for young people in the midst of the ‘techno age’ As a parent, Philip is also interested in education and the importance of language learning. He has volunteered as an English conversation teacher, at a school in Madrid, on many occasions, in collaboration with a bilingual learning programme set up by one of his Spanish friends. Although Philip is a newcomer to the political scene, he has previously negotiated and completed contracts with some of the UK’s listed PLC construction companies. This wide experience in the business world along with a passionate interest in history and world affairs have led him to enter the political scene. Dewsbury is a 57.15% Leave area and is very winnable.

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Previous elections

Dewsbury (2019)

Reform UK· Not elected

Birstall and Birkenshaw Ward

Where Philip fits into things

Spen Valley

Constituency

Birstall and Birkenshaw

Ward

Philip Anthony James

Philip Anthony James

Candidate

Birstall and Birkenshaw

About the role

The responsibility of a councillor is to represent the people within a ward by making decisions on local services and other local issues.

What councillors do

  • Make decisions on local services like housing, roads, and parks
  • Represent residents' concerns at council meetings
  • Help resolve local issues raised by constituents
  • Set council budgets and local tax levels

How to influence

  • Attend local council surgeries
  • Write or email about local issues
  • Attend public council meetings
  • Join local community groups

Council

Kirklees