First Halifax Driver wins UK Bus Driver of the Year

First Bus driver Michael Leech has been named UK Bus Driver of the Year after taking the top spot at the national finals in Blackpool on Sunday 14th September 2025.

First Bus

Leech, who has spent 26 years at the wheel for First Bus and is based at the Halifax depot, saw off 100 rivals from 27 operators to claim the trophy. That put him ahead of thousands of drivers who’d entered regional heats across the country for a place in the final showdown at the seaside.

Talking about the accolade, Mr Leech said: 

It’s still not really sunk in that I’ve won. I thought I’d made a couple of mistakes and some of the theory test was a bit obscure.”

His wife Karen and daughter Katie were in the audience to share in the surprise. Mr Leech added: 

“I did get a sharp nudge on both sides to get out of my seat to collect the trophy.”

The 47-year-old admitted the excitement didn’t fade once he returned home to Sowerby Bridge. He said:

“I didn’t sleep much on the first night after arriving home. I was bouncing off the walls and my phone was constantly pinging with notifications from friends and colleagues.”

First Bus

It’s not his first brush with the title – he has finished runner-up twice before – but this year the judging went his way. Drivers were put through a series of manoeuvres along a three-mile course, ending with the traditional run down Blackpool Promenade, where they had to dock at stops within a couple of inches of the kerb under the watchful eye of assessors.

As well as the overall crown, Leech also collected awards for the highest-placed English depot driver and the best result from within First Bus, leaving him with over £4,000 in prize money. Not a bad weekend’s work behind the wheel.