KEIGHLEY councillor Adrian Farley has been appointed to Bradford Council's decision-making executive.

The solicitor and magistrate, who has represented Keighley West since 2012, will have responsibility for children's social care.

In addition to his ward work, Cllr Farley is involved district-wide in issues including the championing of Fairtrade, raising awareness of genocide through Remembering Srebrenica and promoting LGBT+ rights.

He said he was "delighted and honoured" to be appointed to the executive, with the children's social care portfolio.

"Our district has a large young population which represents a huge amount of potential," added Cllr Farley.

"It's vital that our young people have the right support and opportunities to succeed in life, whatever their background.

"I'm under no illusions that it's a major challenge for local authorities across the country right now, given the Government cuts, to ensure high-quality social services.

"I'll be doing everything I can to make sure we rise to that challenge so that the young people in our district get the services they need and deserve."

Council leader, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, said the appointment would add strength to the executive team.

"Adrian is well regarded and widely respected for getting things done," she added.

"He also brings high-quality professional experience to add to the skills of the executive.

"It's a privilege to serve our residents and we were obviously pleased to be given that mandate in the local elections, with wins across all parts of the district.

"We are raring to go in delivering our Labour pledges."

Cllr Farley replaces Val Slater, who retired from the council this month, on the exec.

In another change, Cllr Sarah Ferriby – already executive member for environment, sport and culture – also takes on the health and wellbeing brief.

Other members of the six-strong executive are councillors Imran Khan, Alex Ross-Shaw and Abdul Jabar, who all retain their existing responsibilities.