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09
Sept
Ex-MP Andrew Jones returns to political frontline in Harrogate and Knaresborough
Former MP Andrew Jones has said he wants to help the Tories rebuild after becoming chair of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative Association.
Mr Jones’ 14-year term as MP ended in 2024 when he lost to Liberal Democrat Tom Gordon at the general election.
He has kept a low profile since then, but still lives in Harrogate and has frequently campaigned for the party.
Now Mr Jones, 62, has taken on a more prominent role by succeeding Rebecca Reeve-Burnett as constituency chair.
He was nominated for the role, which carries a maximum term of three years, and then selected unopposed by party members at the AGM in late June.
“I decided to stand for the role because I remain passionate about our area and want to help the party rebuild,” he told the Stray Ferret. “I have the experience to share.:
Andrew Jones (left) and Tom Gordon at the general election count in 2024.
Ilkley-born Mr Jones, who worked in various sales and marketing roles in Harrogate before becoming MP, held junior ministerial roles in the Treasury and Department for Transport during his time in Westminster.
Asked what he will focus on in his new role, he said:
My priorities are to ensure we rebuild as strongly as we can as quickly as we can. We have challenging times nationally and locally and a government that is making the problems worse by bad decisions on the economy and failing to act on the big questions. The Labour government is also hitting North Yorkshire by taking away some of its funding and channelling it to Labour voting areas. We can see how that affects us every day.
'Lots of talking' from Lib Dems
Mr Jones also had some sharp words for the local Liberal Democrats:
I read on the Ferret that the Lib Dems say this is a Lib Dem town because they have the MP, control the North Yorkshire area committee and Harrogate and Knaresborough town councils. We don't see much action and delivery despite all that power. There is lots of talking but talking isn't doing. I want our area to be a constructive voice within our county and to take on Labour nationally — you don't see either of those from the Lib Dems and our area suffers as a result.
Although the chair's role marks a return to the political frontline, he appeared to rule out the prospect of his name appearing on a ballot paper again.
He said:
“I am retired! I am not seeking and will not be seeking any roles, but as I said earlier remain passionate about our area and our country so I will be active in politics but in different ways.”
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