Christine Bampton Smith steps down after over 40 years’ service to Hebden Royd Town Council and Calderdale Council.
As of May 2026, Christine Bampton Smith has stepped down as Councillor for Hebden Royd Town Council, having been the longest-standing Councillor, dedicating over 40 years’ service to the communities of Hebden Royd and Calderdale.
In that time, she served on many Committees and represented the community with a deeply-held commitment to safeguarding sustainable services and affordable housing for the people of Hebden Royd. In 2002/03 she was also the Mayor of Hebden Royd Town Council.
In recognition of her many years’ community work as both a parish and regional councillor, in 2014 Bampton Smith was awarded the British Empire Medal, an honour issued to individuals for sustained, local contribution or innovative, high-impact work in the community.
Cllr. Keith Butterick, Mayor of Hebden Royd Town Council for the period 2025/26, said:
“Christine Bampton Smith has been a tremendous and loyal member of Hebden Royd Town Council. She represented the best in local politics – putting the community first above party politics and selflessly serving the community in several roles. For new councillors she was always ready with help and advice, ensuring that protocol was always followed at meetings. She had friends across the political divide and will be sorely missed.”
Hebden Royd Town Council extends its deep gratitude to Christine Bampton Smith for everything she has done for the community throughout her impressive tenure and wishes her all the best for the future.
