Councillor Ryan Stephenson was first elected to Leeds City Council in May 2016. Working closely with his two colleagues, Ryan picks up the day-to-day enquiry's relating to school matters, as well as planning applications and enforcement cases across the Harewood Ward. This includes individual planning applications for extensions or new dwellings, as well as larger applications for extensive developments.
On Leeds City Council, Ryan is the The Opposition Chief Whip and holds the Shadow Cabinet Portfolio for Children & Families. Ryan is a member of the council's Children and Families Scrutiny Board where he has led high-profile scrutiny inquiries into school place planning and funding allocation in Leeds. Most notably, Ryan forced the Labour administration to change its children's safeguarding policy after failings in Leeds children's services led to a convicted paedophile being granted custody of a vulnerable child who he then abused. It is believed to be the first time an Opposition Councillor has forced such a policy change, gaining the support of all councillors in the vote.
Read more about Ryan's campaign for a 'Ruby's Law' in the Yorkshire Post here: Leeds City Council promises to never place child in care of a convicted paedophile again.
Outside of Leeds City Council, Ryan sits on the board of Leeds Heritage Theatres Ltd and the West Yorkshire Pension Fund Investment Panel.
Contact Ryan: [email protected] or 0113 378 8557