Biography

Cllr Khizar Iqbal is married with four children and has lived and worked in Dewsbury for over forty years. He built a successful dairy business up until 2003 when he became a full-time councillor. He was first elected in 1998 and subsequently re-elected in 2002, 2004 and 2008 with substantial increased majorities. In 2006 he became the Cabinet Member for Safer Stronger Communities on Kirklees Council.

Khizar is standing for Parliament as he cares deeply about Dewsbury and wishes to dedicate his time and efforts to its future. He believes that there are a number of issues that must be tackled if we are to build a prosperous and vibrant constituency which he believes have not and will not be solved by the current Labour MP. With the support of his family, he has agreed to take a pay cut and stepped out of mainstream politics in order to stand as a candidate and to put Dewsbury First. He has been a councillor in Dewsbury for eleven years and he has always endeavoured to put local people before any political party - being an independent describes him well.

Main Issues

Keeping our NHS Local

A properly funded and resourced hospital in Dewsbury and an inquiry into the management and policy failures at Dewsbury District Hospital

Dewsbury Regeneration

I will be a strong local voice to influence the decision making process and ensure Dewsbury achieves its potential and a sustainable renaissance

Crackdown on Crime

I believe we need a tough new approach to law and order. The biggest gang on the streets should be the police and not a minority of mindless vandals who with their anti social behaviour terrorise communities particularly the elderly.

Save our Schools

We need local schools that deliver best practice and performance and schools that focus on delivering standards, strong discipline and respect. I want to see a much more flexible curriculum introduced to take into account the various academic and vocational skills that our children display.

Protecting our Green Belt

A sensible local environment policy properly resourced and enforced will go a long way to ensuring that we protect our environment at the local and regional level.

No to the European Union

As we approach the second decade of the 21st Century it is now time for generations in the UK who have not had the opportunity to debate the issue of our membership to have their say. We need an informed, calm and rational debate to decide whether or not we wish to go any further with the political integration of Europe.

Better Transport

Public transport is vital for many people living and working here in Dewsbury, Mirfield, Denby Dale and Kirkburton. I have long been a strong advocate for a national integrated transport policy serving on the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority (WYPTA). I will make improving public transport one of my key campaign priorities.

A Fair Deal for Pensioners

Our pensioners deserve a fair deal. A fair deal on their state pension and an end to means testing. Our pensioners deserve a fair deal on social care and accessing social services.