BINGLEY Rural councillor Paul Sullivan has joined the Conservative group’s shadow executive team on Bradford Council.

The former police officer has been appointed spokesman for neighbourhoods & community safety.

Group leader, Worth Valley councillor Rebecca Poulsen, said: “I know that his passion for improving public safety and reducing crime, coupled with his 30 years of experience as a frontline police officer, will enable him to do a cracking job.”

Other appointments include Councillor Debbie Davies, who recently became the group’s deputy leader, as spokesman for regeneration, planning and transport. Bingley Rural councillor Mike Ellis will continue as chief whip.

Cllr Poulsen said she was delighted that the new team comprised a mixture of experience and fresh blood. And she paid tribute to her predecessor as group leader, Cllr John Pennington.

“On behalf of the Conservative group I wish to thank Councillor Pennington, who led the group for two years which included the onset of the Covid crisis – a challenging time during which he worked very hard. He now moves on to new challenges and continuing with his ward work. I would also like to thank councillors Jackie Whiteley and Dale Smith, who are stepping down from the shadow executive to focus on other areas.”