Commission members offer congratulations to John Battle, our Chair, who has been given a knighthood in the New Year’s Honour’s list. However, the fact that he is Chair of the Commission is coincidental to this award!
Since retiring from Parliament in 2010, John has been tireless in his efforts to support local communities , especially in west Leeds, where he lives with his wife Mary. John had a pivotal role in the creation of the Bramley Baths social enterprise – which turned around a local swimming pool from being a financial burden on Leeds City Council into a resource that pays its way and is used across the West Leeds community. He has also been key in the Leeds Debt Forum.
John is also a vice-chair of Leeds Citizens – part of Citizens Organising in the UK – and has been heavily involved since its inauguration. In the years prior to that he was instrumental in building a community of people who could make it happen in the first place.
He has been a strong advocate for the SVP at both local and national level.
From the many social media comments received the general reaction has been ‘well-deserved’ – something which other members of the Commission wholeheartedly endorse.