Who is Cllr Paul Wray?

Councillor Paul Wray is the Labour and Co-operative Councillor for the Hunslet and Riverside Ward on Leeds City Council.

A dedicated public servant and community champion since May 2018, Paul holds senior strategic roles within the council while remaining deeply embedded in the grassroots organisations that keep South Leeds vibrant, and connect it to the heart of Leeds City Centre.

From the historic streets of Hunslet, the terrace streets of Beeston, to the modern developments of the Leeds City Centre waterfront, Paul bridges the gap between local residents and city-wide policy.

His portfolio of duties reflects a commitment to sustainable planning, youth education, and community wellbeing.

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.

He sits Kirkgate Market Management Board, working to protect and evolve Europe’s largest covered market, and one of Leeds historical treasures, and city’s Men’s Health Lead, and 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 Governor for four local primary schools, directly influencing the standards and support available to families in the ward:

Hunslet Carr Primary School
Lane End Primary School
Park View Academy Primary School
Hunnlet St Mary's Academy Primary

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 is a committee member or active supporter of:

Festivals: Hunslet Festival Committee and Beeston Festival Committee.
Parks & Environment: Friends of Hunslet Moor, Cross Flatts Park Committee, and supporter of groups for Trentham Park and the River Aire.
Regeneration: Support for the Dewsbury Road Town Team to revitalise 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.
Trustee: Groundwork Yorkshire (mobilising communities to improve their local environment) and Vera Media.

He has a reputation for being professional but plan speaking, saying things as they are, even when it is politically disadvantages, and not submitting to political pressure simply to be popular.

Frequently Asked Questions

While a Member of Parliament (MP) represents you nationally in the House of Commons to debate laws and national policy, a Councillor like Paul represents you locally at Leeds City Council to manage neighbourhood services.

MPs handle national issues like defence, immigration, and the NHS.
Councillors handle local matters. Paul’s specific local duties include making decisions on planning applications, managing public parks, supporting local schools, and organizing community festivals.