Column: Cllr Howard Blagbrough: Lessons for Local Politics in 2026

With us now being three weeks into the New Year, I would like to consider how we in local politics could learn from the lessons of 2025. I will first reflect on a major success story for our borough, the revitalisation efforts across Brighouse, before then considering the example set by my late colleague Coun David Kirton, whose loss will be felt across the whole of Calderdale. In doing so I hope we might be able to make politics work just that little bit better in our borough.

Works across Brighouse are now progressing full steam ahead. These were originally made possible when the Conservative government approved our Town Deal bid in 2021, delivering on the promise of levelling up in our town. This deal entrusted our Council and the Brighouse Town Deal board with £19.1m in funding to make the most of our town’s strengths while also improving transport links with neighbouring towns.

The delivery of the new Brighouse Open Market has given us an asset we can all be proud of. I could see the confidence and pride in our town from traders and visitors alike when I manned a street food stall on the opening weekend and there was a real sense of excitement in the air. It’s an excellent market and an anchor point for the whole community – and this is what revitalisation should all be about.

The current phase of works is focusing on road improvements and pedestrianisation in the inner town centre. People have expressed concern for local businesses, and while we know that the long-term roadworks in Halifax have been troubling for footfall there, I am confident that the improvements will ensure Commercial Street is a safer, cleaner and more attractive area to live and do business in. My colleague Coun George Robinson has also written to the Council Leader to request the suspension of parking charges in Brighouse, and we can only hope the Council listens.

There are some important lessons to take from this in 2026. First, those ideas of place and community must be at the centre of our minds when revitalising our towns and villages. Works that complement the existing character of places can be championed. Second, while this goes without saying, we must be mindful of what communities actually want to get out of redevelopment. And third, we must remain open to working with all political groups in the interests of residents – and this brings me onto the example set by my late colleague Coun Kirton.

In his 25 years in local politics, David was always willing to work across the aisle with all political groups to get a better deal for Hipperholme and Lightcliffe. While politics is becoming increasingly more divisive, David would put differences aside to put residents first. Ultimately, as residents we all share in the successes or failures in local politics, and we would do well to follow David’s example.

The Conservative Group feels David’s loss very closely and other groups have expressed their deep condolences. As Josh Fenton-Glynn MP said, the Council chamber will be a poorer place without him. But if we can learn from David’s example and commit to working across the aisle in the common interest then I am sure some good can be achieved in 2026.