The Battle for Batley

Sol B River is a Leeds-born writer and TV producer. His recent documentary about the first black university student in 1960s Mississippi won plaudits around the world. In a week which has seen such focus on football and racism, we asked Sol - a big football fan - to give us his view - of 'taking the knee,' the racism faced by players and the changes he wants politicians to make. And Business Analyst Danni Hewson joins Gemma and James to talk about Yorkshire’s proud supermarket heritage. It comes after potential talks of a takeover for Bradford family owned Morrisons.

Former sub-postmasters across Yorkshire have been trying to clear their names after they were involved in one of the UK’s biggest miscarriages of Justice a scandal spanning 20 years. It was after money went missing from their accounts following a problem with a newly installed computer system. An inquiry is now underway to get to the bottom of how this happened. Caroline has spoken to families who devoted their lives to serving the Post Office who were then accused of crimes they didn’t commit. Producer: Louise Wheeler Studio Director: Qendresa Zena

The team speak to Politics Professor Dr Victoria Honeyman from the University of Leeds and local businessman Mike from Mike's carpets to assess the result of the recent Batley and Spen By-Election. We also hear from the winning candidate and now MP, Labour's Kim Leadbeater.

Aisha, Tim, Gemma and James talk about the battle for Batley with just days to go until the by-election. Gemma speaks to the BBC's Chief Political Advisor Ric Bailey about how the BBC covers a by-election and how the decide to allocate time to covering each of the candidates. And young film maker Sam talks to James and Gemma about why the area is such a good place to work and live.

Look North reporter David Rhodes speaks to the team about the cost of setting-up Yorkshire’s Nightingale Hospital in Harrogate and the way public money was spent on the project. It was one of a number of temporary hospitals built at the height of the pandemic. And Gemma catches up with BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Scott Dalton and Sharon Edwards who have spent the last week in Skegness talking to the people that keep our coast open for tourists.Producer: Louise Wheeler Studio Director: Qendresa Zena

The team catch up with bar owner Martin Greenhow from Yorkshire to discuss the lifting of restrictions on June 21st. Tim speaks to singer Nancy from Goole about the impact of the pandemic on performers. She also belts out a tune for us. And the team also talk Batley, Boundaries and surge testing.Producer: Louise Wheeler

Batley and Spen will have a new MP this summer. People have just days to go to declare an interest in standing in the Batley and Spen By-Election. It’s after Tracy Brabin stood down after being elected as the new Mayor for West Yorkshire. Aisha and James profile the area – what are the challenges facing the candidates? And Tim talks about the Yorkshire MPs who are preparing to rebel against the government over foreign aid cuts. We hear from one charity in Yorkshire supporting those overseas.Producer: Louise Wheeler

The team speak to Joeli Brearley from York who set up the campaign ‘Pregnant then Screwed’ – about the impact of the pandemic on families. And he’s just been made chair of Bassetlaw District Council at the age of 20. It should have happened last year but was delayed. Jack Bowker is a Labour Councillor who elected in 2019 while still doing his A-Levels.Producer: Louise Wheeler Sound: Adam Campbell

As restrictions ease further from Monday – the team talk to a Yorkshire business owner about their hopes and fears going forward. And after Tracy Brabin was elected as the mayor of West Yorkshire – there will be a by-election in Batley and Spen. Gemma and Tim are joined by Dr Patrick English and Dr Victoria Honeyman to discuss the political parties chances of winning the seat.Producer: Louise Wheeler Sound: Adam Campbell

James, Gemma, Tim, Liz and Kevin discuss the 2021 local election results for our region. From the West Yorkshire Mayor to PCC's to a No Overall Control Council in Sheffield. How did the pandemic impact voting and counting? What was turnout like? And what do these results mean for the parties?