Halifax First Bus driver named Best in Britain
Michael beat 100 drivers from 27 bus operators around the country to win the coveted title.
Last updated 17th Sep 2025
A Halifax bus driver has beaten out competition from across the country to be named Best in Britain.
47 year old Michael Leech, who drives for First Bus in Yorkshire, scooped the coveted prize of the UK Bus Driver of the Year at the national finals held in Blackpool over the weekend.
He was up against 100 other drivers from 27 operators, after coming through regional heats.
He was judged for his skills in driving a bus along a 3 mile course, including a section along the Promenade in Blackpool.
Drivers were required to pull in at stops within 2 to 4 inches of the curb - with accuracy key to progressing through the competition.
Michael, who has worked for First for the past 26 years said he was 'stunned' to win, adding:
“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.”
“I did get a sharp nudge on both sides to get out of my seat to collect the trophy.”