About Cllr Paul Wray
Paul Wray is a dedicated public servant and community champion. Since his election in May 2018, he has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between the historic streets of Hunslet and Beeston Hill and the modern waterfront developments of Leeds Riverside.
A "working-class lad" from Leeds who started his career in a bakery at 16, Paul was the first in his family to attend university.
Today, he holds senior strategic roles at Leeds City Council while remaining deeply embedded in the grassroots organisations that keep South Leeds vibrant.
Strategic Leadership & City Planning
Paul plays a pivotal role in shaping the physical future of Leeds. As Chair of the South and West Plans Panel and a member of the Joint Plans Panel, he oversees critical development decisions, ensuring that new housing and infrastructure projects meet the needs of local communities in LS10, LS11, and LS1.
His wider strategic duties include:
-
Kirkgate Market: Sitting on the Management Board to protect and evolve Europe’s largest covered market.
-
Public Health: Serving as the city’s Men’s Health Lead.
-
Environment: Acting as the Inner South West Community Committee Environmental Champion.
Championing Education & Youth
Believing that every child in South Leeds deserves the best start in life, Paul serves as a School Governor for four local primary schools. He directly influences standards and support for families at:
-
Hunslet Carr Primary School
-
Lane End Primary School
-
Park View Academy Primary School
-
Hunslet St Mary's C of E Primary Academy
Community Action & Green Spaces
Paul is a "hands-on" councillor, actively serving on committees that organise the area's most loved events and protecting its green lungs. He acts as a committee member or active supporter for:
-
Festivals: Hunslet Festival Committee and Beeston Festival Committee.
-
Parks & Environment: Friends of Hunslet Moor, Cross Flatts Park Committee, and Trentham Park.
-
Regeneration: Supporting the Dewsbury Road Town Team to revitalise our local high streets.
Charity Trusteeships & Third Sector
Beyond the council chamber, Paul lends his expertise to regional charities to drive social mobility and environmental action:
-
Chair of Trustees: The Involve Centre (Community support).
-
Trustee: Groundwork Yorkshire (Mobilising communities to improve their local environment).
-
Trustee: Vera Media.
A Straight-Talking Voice for Leeds
Paul has built a reputation for being professional but plain-speaking. He is known for saying things as they are—even when it is politically disadvantageous—and refuses to submit to pressure simply to be popular. He is committed to getting the job done for the residents of Hunslet, Riverside, and Beeston Hill.






