New Mayor puts Kirklees at the top of his priority list

Mayor of Kirklees Jim Dodds and Mayoress, his wife Carol Dodds.

The new Mayor of Kirklees wants councillors to put aside point-scoring and put the area first, as he unveiled his mantra for his term in office.

Denby Dale councillor Jim Dodds outlined his ambitions after being elected in the role for 2016/17.

The former military man, who served 35 years in the army, was passed the chains of office by outgoing Mayor, Cllr Paul Kane.

Cllr Dodds said: “I really want to put the emphasis on the word “Kirklees.”

“I want all councillors to forget political point-scoring and really focus on working together for the benefit of all Kirklees residents.”

His chosen charity for the year will be the Royal British Legion.

He added: “I have produced a fund-raising calendar for the next 18 months which is to honour all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in serving the country, but especially those who have recently lost their lives in Afghanistan.”

His Mayoress will be wife Carol and the couple will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary during his year of office.

The new Deputy Mayor is Golcar councillor Christine Iredale.

Her consort is her husband Robert Iredale.

Seconding Cllr Dodds as Mayor, his party leader Cllr David Hall said: “Jim has a reputation within and outside the council chamber as a respected member, a fair political fighter, and a man of integrity.”

Outgoing Mayor Cllr Kane announced that he had raised £62,000 for Diabetes UK during his mayoral year.

He said: “We have met so many people in the last two years and it has been an absolute joy to be involved in the work they do across Kirklees.

“It has been two years of utter wonderfulness.”