Well-known local businessman Chris Herd has been chosen to stand as the Conservative candidate in Keighley West at next year’s local elections.

39-year-old Mr Herd has been the proprietor of C & L Herd Family Butchers on Queen’s Road since 1998 and employs seven members of staff.

He also runs Great Stones Farm in Oxenhope where, with his wife Linda, he rears cattle and lambs.

He and Linda have been married for 16 years and have three children.

Outside of work, Chris is involved in a wide-ranging of outdoor pursuits and is a keen carriage driver.  His other main interest is politics.

“I am very pleased to have been selected as the Conservative candidate in Keighley West,” Mr Herd commented.

“I am a life-long Conservative and believe the party has the right ideas to improve life for local residents in the town.

“From a personal point of view, it would also be a tremendous honour to use my experience and knowledge of the area to serve the people of Keighley West on Bradford Council.

“There is a lot of hard work ahead between now and the local elections next May but I can’t wait to get on with it.”

Bradford Council Conservative Group Leader Cllr Kris Hopkins, who is also the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Keighley and Ilkley, said he was delighted to have Mr Herd on board.

“Chris is a highly respected and very popular local businessman who would be an outstanding representative for Keighley West in Bradford City Hall,” he commented.

“His job allows him to hear at first hand each day what problems residents are facing and how they want them to be addressed.

“He also has a very strong work ethic and commitment to doing a good job on behalf of others.

“I very much hope Chris is successful in May 2010 and urge the people of Keighley West to get behind him to ensure this happens.”