THE LEEDS BRIEF ⏰ Tuesday, 2 June, 2026

Good morning Leeds - Tuesday 2 June. A killer was jailed yesterday for the death of teenager Harry Abbott. A former Leeds MP who stood for liberal democracy has passed away. And a partially-sighted commuter in Headingley says getting the bus now feels like a video game - the dangerous kind. Let's go. 👇

🕊️ OBITUARY

🎷 Michael Meadowcroft, former Leeds West Liberal MP, dies aged 84 - Michael Meadowcroft - the Liberal MP who represented Leeds West from 1983 to 1987, journalist, political affairs consultant and jazz clarinetist - died on 1 June after a short illness, aged 84. Born in Elland and raised in Southport, he went to work for Liberal HQ in London before moving to Leeds, where he became one of the first Liberal councillors elected to Leeds City Council in 30 years. After losing his parliamentary seat in 1987 he became a columnist for The Times and The Yorkshire Post, and later wrote obituaries of political figures for The Guardian. From 1990 he spent 26 years as a consultant to new and emerging democracies, leading or participating in 50 electoral missions to 35 countries. His band, The Granny Lee Band, played regularly at Leeds Jazz Club. He is survived by his wife, two children, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. (Source: West Leeds Dispatch)