Keighley’s former police chief is to contest a seat on Bradford Council.

Allan Doherty has been selected by the Tories to fight Keighley East on May 22.

The ward includes East Morton, where he has lived for the past ten years.

Mr Doherty retired from the police force in 2009 after 31 years’ service.

He had risen to the rank of chief superintendent, and commanded the then Airedale and North Bradford police division.

The 52-year-old father-of-four said he had long held a desire to stand as a councillor.

“I have been interested in politics for many years, but because of my role in the police, I couldn’t be a member of a political party or express political views,” said Mr Doherty, who is now director of operations with the charity Hope for Justice, which helps rescue victims of people-trafficking.

“Through my police service, I was involved with many organisations and saw first-hand the work they perform. I feel with the skills and experience gleaned as a result of my career, I could offer something to the council and the local community.

“I am a Bradford man, and have lived in this particular part of the district for many years. And I have strong views!”

Mr Doherty said his main aims were to ensure the Keighley area got a fair share of resources from City Hall and to press for improved road transport links in the Aire Valley.

“Bradford Council covers a big area and there is a feeling Keighley gets forgotten about,” he said.

“Sometimes I sense an imbalance in the way money is spent.”

He added despite improvements carried out at Saltaire, more still needed to be done to tackle traffic congestion between Keighley and Bradford.

“We have to get to grips with this situation,” Mr Doherty added.