The Hospitality Party was founded to challenge the way local government works across the UK — but we had to start somewhere. And we chose Kirklees for a reason.
 
This borough is rich in independent spirit. Its towns are filled with local traders, live venues, small businesses, community groups, artists, organisers — people doing incredible things with very little support. From Huddersfield’s thriving independent bar and music scene to the market towns and neighbourhoods holding communities together, Kirklees already has the ingredients for something great.
 
But it also represents everything that's broken.
 
Year after year, Kirklees Council has made decisions that ignore, sideline or actively harm the very people keeping these places alive. Public money has flowed into private developments. Deals have been done with chains and corporations while independent businesses are left to struggle. Bureaucracy makes it harder to organise local events than to secure a £7 million loan for a shopping centre. Community groups have to fight for space, funding, and recognition — often while being spoken down to by decision-makers who don’t engage with what’s happening on the ground.
 
So we’re starting here.
 
We believe Kirklees deserves a local government that reflects the energy of its people. A council that empowers culture, funds independents, simplifies access, and puts public spaces and public money back in public hands.

Kirklees isn’t broken — it’s just being badly managed.
 
We want to prove that a different kind of politics is possible. One that works from the bottom up. That values independence, creativity and common sense. One that sees people not as problems to be managed, but as partners in building something better.
 
This is just the beginning. The Hospitality Party will grow — but we want to earn our place by starting where change is needed most, and where the community is already doing the work.
 
 If we can change Kirklees, we can change anywhere.