My name is Salim Desai, I have been a City Councillor for 14 years.

Full statement

Initially for the Town Centre ward and now for the City Centre ward.

I am currently a school Governor at Christ the King High School and St Augustine's Primary School. Having held these positions for over 16 years. Both schools have now gone through the process of converting to academy status.

As a Cabinet Member on the Council for the last three years I have worked hard to champion our area when funding streams have become available. A case in point has been the Tram Bridge. As the councillor living closest to the Tram Bridge, I have been very vocal in supporting the case for a replacement. I'm pleased that work is finally beginning to progress the demolition of the current bridge.

I'm a great believer in the "Preston Model" and the aims of our Labour Group in developing this further to help provide legacy support and projects for our children. I am very proud to have been part of a group of forward-thinking Councillors bringing about £100 million worth of investment into the City over the next few years. This will have a generational impact and has been earmarked to include Youth Centre provision and investment in our Parks. We have opted for Council owned development to ensure wealth creation is for the benefit of our residents. I hope you will support me so that I can continue with this work.