How Labour defeated the Tories in North Yorkshire’s first mayor election

“We have not been doing the basics,” said David Skaith to reporters huddled around him after becoming the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

It was a seismic victory for Labour over the Conservatives, with a 14,794 majority.

The result at Harrogate Convention Centre on Friday afternoon was the culmination of two competing campaigns.

On the one side, Keane Duncan, for the Conservatives, led an ambitious campaign which included pledges such as buying Scarborough’s Grand Hotel for regeneration.

He also promised free car parking in towns and cities across the county.

Much of Mr Duncan’s campaign was focussed on utilising social media to promote his pledges. He published high-production videos and pictures to push his message.

He also went on a tour around the county in his van, which notably did not include anything which mentioned that he was a Conservative.

The 29-year-old emphasised the fact that he was out meeting people and published photographs of himself with residents in North Yorkshire’s towns and villages on his social media pages. His campaign appeared to focus on himself as an individual, rather than his political background.

During the campaign trail, Mr Duncan told the Stray Ferret that he had “bold ambition” for York and North Yorkshire. However, on the day, that did not help his election prospects.

Keane Duncan, with Prime Minister RIshi Sunak in Ripon earlier this month.

Keane Duncan, with Prime Minister RIshi Sunak in Ripon in April.

In fact, Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, the Liberal Democrat candidate, said she felt making pledges which “no-one believes” did not help the public’s trust in democracy.

She said:

“If you don’t take elections seriously that reflects badly on politicians. If you pledge to do things that no-one believes, it can and should backfire on you. It devalues politics. The feedback I get is that ‘you’re just another politician’.”

Specifically on the Grand Hotel, she said:

“That’s just one of them. There have been a series of headlines nobody believes. It was just grabbing headlines without anything behind them.”

In the end, Mr Duncan fell to a clear defeat. When speaking to the press afterwards, he defended his campaign, including the pledge on the Grand Hotel, and said he felt focussing on the coast was “important”.

Regardless of the majority involved, Mr Duncan was magnanimous in defeat and was seen applauding Mr Skaith after the declaration.

A traditional campaign

By comparison, Mr Skaith’s campaign offered little in terms of marquee pledges.

When speaking to the Stray Ferret two weeks ago, the Labour candidate focussed on matters such as transport, a High Street fund and a cost of living fund.

While the policies will resonate with some of the electorate, they were not headline grabbing pledges.

Rather, Mr Skaith appeared to take a traditional campaign route. He was seen canvassing with senior Labour politicians such as Rachel Reeves, shadow chancellor of the exchequer, and Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin.

Photo of Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves and North Yorkshire mayoral candidate David Skaith campaigning with Labour Party workers in Harrogate.

Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves and North Yorkshire mayoral candidate David Skaith campaigning with Labour Party workers in Harrogate.

After his victory on Friday, he told reporters that he would focus on building affordable housing and improving transport links. However, how that looks in practice remains to be seen.

The campaign has had the desired affect and now Labour has metro mayors in West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and further west in Greater Manchester and Liverpool.

Much of Mr Skaith’s 15,000 majority could be attributed to the city of York which includes students and a Labour-controlled city council.

The national picture cannot be overlooked either, with the Tories lagging behind in the polls. One of the candidates, Paul Haslam, was also a former Conservative who threw his hat in the ring as an independent.

However, Labour will not see it that way and will spin it as a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in his own back yard.

The party has parked its tanks on traditional Conservative ground in a year which promises more elections to come. 

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Keane Duncan defends campaign as Conservatives lose North Yorkshire mayor election

Keane Duncan has defended his campaign for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire after the Conservatives lost the election to Labour.

Mr Duncan admitted that the national political picture “inevitably” affected his race to be mayor, but said Rishi Sunak should stay on as Prime Minister.

Labour’s David Skaith won the election by 14,794 votes on a disappointing day for the Tories.

Speaking after the result at Harrogate Convention Centre, Mr Duncan was magnanimous in defeat and defended his campaign, which included ambitious pledges such as buying the Grand Hotel in Scarborough.

He said:  

“I am proud that I got to stand in this election. I am proud of my campaign. I thank everyone who has supported me in every corner of York and North Yorkshire.”

When asked whether he felt he overpromised on the Grand Hotel and if he regretted the pledge, he said:

“No, I’ve focussed on the coast. I think the coast is very important.

“I’m not going to have the opportunity now to deliver on my pledges and my promises. But I feel proud of the campaign that I have been able to run.”

Mr Duncan added that he did not feel that he could have done anymore with his campaign. When asked if the national political picture affected his race to be mayor, he said:

“I think the national picture has inevitably affected this campaign.”

He added that he would stay on as a North Yorkshire councillor and said he felt Mr Sunak should remain as Prime Minister, despite the election defeat.

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Labour’s David Skaith won the inaugural mayoral election with 66,761 votes.

Tory candidate, Keane Duncan, came second with 51,967 votes and Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Liberal Democrat, finished third with 30,867.

Meanwhile, Green Party candidate, Kevin Foster, won 15,188 votes and Keith Tordoff, independent, finished fifth with 13,250 votes.

Harrogate independent, Paul Haslam, won 12,370 votes.

The turnout for the York and North Yorkshire mayoral election was 30%.

Labour’s David Skaith pledges to ‘get basics right’ as mayor

Newly elected Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, has pledged to “get the basics right” as the first mayor of the county.

The Labour Party candidate won the inaugural mayoral election with 66,761 votes.

Speaking after the result, Mr Skaith, who is originally from Harrogate, said he felt the region had not done the basics, such as building affordable homes and improving transport.

He added that doing so would help to retain people to live and work in the area.

Mr Skaith said:

“We have an opportunity to bring York and North Yorkshire together. North Yorkshire is not an area that we normally do well in, but people want change.

“We have not been doing the basics. That will be my priority. We have a lot of people who are leaving the area.”

Mr Skaith pledged to work with fellow metro mayors in West Yorkshire, but also towards the west in Greater Manchester and Liverpool to help improve issues such as transport.

The election was a disappointing day for the Conservatives in North Yorkshire as they lost the election by 14,794 votes.

Tory candidate, Keane Duncan, came second with 51,967 votes and Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Liberal Democrat, finished third with 30,867.

Meanwhile, Green Party candidate, Kevin Foster, won 15,188 votes and Keith Tordoff, independent, finished fifth with 13,250 votes.

Harrogate independent, Paul Haslam, won 12,370 votes.

The turnout for the York and North Yorkshire mayoral election was 30%.

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Northern Gas Networks apologises over ongoing Pannal roadworks

Northern Gas Networks has apologised after residents complained about ongoing roadworks in Pannal.

The company started utility repairs and maintenance work on the A61 Leeds Road near to the traffic lights at the junction with Follifoot Road two weeks ago.

The work includes temporary traffic lights in both directions on the A61 and on Station Road and Follifoot Road.

Residents and the local councillor, John Mann, said the work had led to long queues on Leeds Road in both directions, congestion and rat running, particularly during rush hour times.

The Stray Ferret took the concerns over the disruption to the company.

In response, Mark Mawhood, operations manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: 

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Pannal.”

Mr Mawhood added that the company expects the work to be completed by Sunday, May 12.

The move comes after Cllr Mann described the work as leaving residents feeling “hemmed in” and “isolated”.

He also pointed to ongoing work by Yorkshire Water on Spring Lane, which he said had caused a “near perfect storm” of roadworks.

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Plans approved to convert ex-Harrogate shop and nightclub into flats

North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to create seven new flats on Harrogate’s Parliament Street.

The scheme will see the former Sofa Workshop unit, which is next to the now closed Bijouled store, converted to living accommodation.

The upper floor of the former Moko nightclub and office space will also be adapted to become flats.

The former Bijouled unit will be retained under the plans.

In documents submitted to the council, the developer, JC Robinson Ltd, said the application would cause no harm to the grade two listed building.

It added:

“Subject to further detailing of internal and external works including the design of new window and door openings to the exterior of the building, it is considered that the development can be undertaken without giving rise to harm to the significance of the listed building.”

Moko closed in 2019 and Bijouled ceased trading in February last year.

The former Sofa Workshop shut in April 2022 after the company entered administration.

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Pannal residents ‘isolated’ by ongoing roadworks, says councillor

Residents in Pannal feel “hemmed in” and “isolated” as a result of ongoing roadworks in the area, says the local councillor.

Northern Gas Networks started utility repairs and maintenance work on the A61 Leeds Road near to the traffic lights at the junction with Follifoot Road two weeks ago.

The work, which is due to continue until May 13, includes temporary traffic lights in both directions on the A61 and on Station Road and Follifoot Road.

Cllr John Mann, a Conservative who represents the area on North Yorkshire Council, said the work had led to long queues on Leeds Road in both directions, congestion and rat running, particularly during rush hour times.

He also pointed to ongoing work by Yorkshire Water on Spring Lane, which he said had caused a “near perfect storm” of roadworks.

Cllr Mann said:

“Local residents feel hemmed in and slightly isolated at the moment.

“I have contacted the highways team at North Yorkshire Council and have called for urgent steps to be taken to reduce the effect on traffic, especially in the rush-hour and at school drop off and pick up times.”

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Cllr Mann, along with local resident Brian Dunsby, have both contacted Northern Gas Networks over the matter and urged them to put measures in place to reduce queuing, congestion and rat running.

Cllr Mann added that the utility company had agreed to manually operate the lights and to reduce the temporary lights at the top of Church Lane to a two-way operation.

The Stray Ferret put the concerns over the works in Pannal to Northern Gas Networks, but had not received a response by the time of publication.

The move comes as the company has started further work on Leadhall Lane in Harrogate.

Temporary lights are due to be in place until 7th May as Northern Gas Networks carries out “essential work to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas”.

Northern Gas Networks said:

“Ageing metal pipework is being upgraded to ensure a safe and reliable supply of gas. Two-way temporary traffic lights are now currently in place on the junction of Leadhall Lane, Church Lane and Green Lane. These will be in place until Tuesday May 7 at the latest. Once this phase is complete, our work will continue down Leadhall Lane towards Leeds Road. It will be necessary to use two way rolling traffic lights whilst this stretch of work is completed.”

Mark Mawhood, operations manager for Northern Gas Networks, said:

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it is vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Harrogate. We want to assure residents and road users that we will be working hard to complete this essential scheme as safely and as quickly as possible.”

Meanwhile, the company is also carrying out repair work on Halfpenny Lane in Knaresborough. The work, which includes a road closure, is due to be completed by May 5.

Light pollution policy to protect Nidderdale dark skies

North Yorkshire Council is set to adopt a policy designed to prevent light pollution in Nidderdale.

Astronomers commissioned by Nidderdale AONB — which has since been renamed Nidderdale National Landscape — in spring 2022 found the night skies in the north west of the area, including Upper Nidderdale and moorland near Masham, are some of the least affected by light pollution in England.

With this in mind, the council drew up a Nidderdale AONB-specific supplementary planning document for its Harrogate District Local Plan 2014-35, which outlines where development can occur.

The policy was first devised by the former Harrogate Borough Council in February 2023. Senior councillors on North Yorkshire Council are now expected to adopt the plan.

The document, once adopted, will be used as a “material consideration” by councillors when deciding on planning applications in the area.

Among its key objectives include introducing a “zoning scheme” to protect the darker skies in Nidderdale.

It also recommends that external lights in the darkest zone, which includes Upper Nidderdale, should only have 500 lumens, which is a measurement of visible light to the human eye.

The document adds that light pollution from farm and commercial buildings is “the most obvious source” of light pollution in the darkest zone of the AONB.

Senior councillors will be asked to adopt the policy document at an executive meeting on May 7.

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How will North Yorkshire’s mayor help the economy?

Investment, attracting business and growing the economy – that has been the mantra for most of the candidates vying to become the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

For all the six people contesting the position, each of them has sought to push their credentials for how they would help to grow the county’s economy and attract enterprise.

Some have emphasised their business background, while others have opted for ambitious pledges to regenerate parts of North Yorkshire.

However, the powers afforded to the mayor to directly support enterprise appear limited and much of their influence may come from “championing” the region to attract investment.

The Stray Ferret has covered the mayoral race extensively. In this article, we look at how a mayor can support the local economy and what they can do to boost investment.

The economic future of North Yorkshire

When the devolution deal for York and North Yorkshire was announced, politicians described it as a “watershed” moment for the region.

Much of the emphasis on the deal, which included the introduction of a combined authority, was about investment. Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, described it in August 2022 as an opportunity to drive “future prosperity and much better opportunities”.

The devolution agreement included a £540 million mayoral investment fund over 30 years – which the mayor themselves can use to help stimulate business, should they wish to.

James Farrar.

James Farrar.

When the Stray Ferret interviewed James Farrar, director of economy and interim head of paid service at York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, last month, he said the mayor would invest “a huge amount of money in the economic future” of the region.

He said:

“These are investments in transport, skills, housing and business which will have an impact on the future lives of residents across York and North Yorkshire.

“It’s the first time we have had one of these economic mayors. They have a huge amount of money to invest and a huge amount of responsibilities.”

Economic powers

So, how could the mayor boost the economy and attract investment?

The role comes with powers over transport, adult education and skills, as well as the ability to set up a mayoral development corporation to regenerate specific areas in North Yorkshire.

But, much of the power to attract investment and enterprise appears to rely on the influence associated with the mayor. In other words, the responsibility for “banging the drum” for the county.

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Dr Richard Hayton, associate professor of politics at the University of Leeds, told the Stray Ferret that the powers afforded to the mayor would have a “limited capacity” for them to directly help the economy.

However, he added that they would have the ability to help co-ordinate other sectors to drive further investment.

Dr Hayton said:

“On their own the mayor will only have a limited capacity to directly boost the economy. 

“However, hopefully a key role for the mayor will be to act as a champion for the region who can attract investment for example by co-ordinating different parts of the public and private sector to work together towards key objectives.”

Perhaps the closest and most recent example of this is the new £26.5 million railway station at the White Rose Centre in Leeds.

While the scheme is not directly funded by Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, it is a scheme led by West Yorkshire Combined Authority – which Ms Brabin chairs – and includes private developers Munroe K and Spencer Group.

Ms Brabin has been seen championing the project by backing the scheme in public statements and visiting the site, which aligns with the idea that metro mayors are seen as a “figurehead” for their region.

Tracy Brabin pictured at the construction site of the White Rose station. Picture: West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Tracy Brabin pictured at the construction site of the White Rose station. Picture: West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Dr Andrew Mycock, chief policy fellow at the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network, told the Stray Ferret that the regional champion role of the mayor was important.

He said Ms Brabin in particular does “a lot of advocacy work” and has a public image which people in turn associate with the region.

Dr Mycock said:

“It is something that has been positive. You look at Tracy Brabin, she has a strong public role.

“A lot of her role is about advocacy.”

He added that, economically, whoever is elected mayor of North Yorkshire will also be expected to work closely with West Yorkshire.

Dr Mycock pointed to the government’s devolution deal for North Yorkshire, which emphasises that the combined authority should “explore opportunities for further collaboration” with authorities such as West Yorkshire.

He said:

“The challenge for candidates is that the economy is more diverse than most. You have got York, but you also have rural and coastal communities.

“One area [for the mayor] will be that they will have to work closely with the West Yorkshire mayor. The government has included strong conventions in the deal that they have to work with West Yorkshire.”

The election campaign to be North Yorkshire first mayor has been filled with pledges to boost the economy.

Some have promised High Street funds, others want to buy hotels and many believe they are the right person to attract private investment and business.

While the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire may not be able to directly affect how the economy performs, they will have responsibility for ensuring that those who do have that power invest in the county.

Drivers warned to expect delays after serious collision closes A1(M)

Drivers should expect delays on the A1 this morning after a serious collision near Boroughbridge.

North Yorkshire Police said the incident happened on the southbound carriageway at around 2.20am.

The force said the southbound carriageway of the A1(M) is currently closed between junction 48 (Boroughbridge) and junction 47 (Allerton Park) and is expected to be for some time.

However, the northbound carriageway has now reopened.

National Highways has advised drivers to allow more time for journeys as the southbound carriageway is expected to be closed throughout the morning.

A spokesperson said:

“The southbound carriageway is expected to remain closed beyond the morning’s peak travel period as emergency services and National Highways traffic officers remain at the scene of the incident, which happened at around 2.20am. 

“Collision investigations are currently taking place, with recovery and repairs also expected throughout the morning following an oil spill and repairs needed to the central barrier. 

“There are currently delays of more than 60 minutes on the southbound carriageway.”

A diversion is in place along the A168, which runs parallel to the A1(M).

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Conservative mayoral candidate promises ‘bold ambition’ for North Yorkshire

Keane Duncan believes he has a “bold ambition” for North Yorkshire.

The 29-year-old candidate for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is tasked with securing the position for the Conservative Party on May 2.

Mr Duncan, who is also executive councillor for highways on North Yorkshire Council, told the Stray Ferret that he believes he has the most political experience for the role.

He added that he felt the mayor was an opportunity to do politics differently.

“I’m standing to shake things up and do things differently. I think we have probably been let down by politics being the same old status quo.

“This is now an opportunity for us to wrestle control from Westminster and to secure our fair share of investment that we deserve.

“It’s a big opportunity and we have one chance to get this right. I’m standing up for all generations, my generation and the next generation.”

Keane Duncan, with Prime Minister RIshi Sunak in Ripon earlier this month.

Keane Duncan, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Ripon earlier this month.

Mr Duncan has set his stall out and made bold pledges during his campaign. They include free car-parking in towns and cities and purchasing the Grand Hotel in Scarborough for regeneration.

The promise to regenerate the hotel is probably the most radical of his plans. Mr Duncan says he has “staked his political fortunes” on the pledge, but believes it is what Scarborough needs from the mayoral role.

He said:

“I have got bold ambition for North Yorkshire. I have got big plans for our county and I think it is right that we are bold and ambitious for the county.

“Scarborough is the third largest settlement in the county and it is the most deprived town. No one can doubt that it deserves investment.

“But this is just one example of my big plans for the county. It is radical and some people think I’m slightly mad, but I think it will be key for transforming Scarborough.”

When pressed on how much the plan would cost, Mr Duncan said he did not want to “compromise discussions” with Britannia, the company which owns the Grand Hotel.

However, he promised to seek negotiations with the firm within the “first few weeks”, if elected mayor.

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Meanwhile, as the senior councillor for highways in North Yorkshire, Mr Duncan is well versed in the trials and tribulations of the transport brief.

Mr Duncan says that part of his plan for mayor would be to invest in road repairs and key infrastructure such as the A64, York Outer Ring Road and A59 Kex Gill.

He also says he is prepared to look at a bus franchising model in North Yorkshire, if there is a “robust financial case”. 

Among his other pledges include full digital connectivity and no mayoral tax for each year that he is in office, if elected mayor.

Not taking it for granted

The race to become the first elected mayor in North Yorkshire is just 10 days away.

When asked if he confident of winning the election, Mr Duncan said he is not taking anything for granted.

He said:

“I have never taken any election for granted. I’m certainly not taking this election for granted. I do not think the outcome is guaranteed.

“I am working very hard, I’m getting out there into every single corner of North Yorkshire. I have embarked on a 100-day, 1,000-stop tour of the county, listening to people in every single community.

“My message is that nowhere is going to be overlooked or forgotten if I’m elected. That message is resonating strongly.”

The York and North Yorkshire mayor will be chosen by residents of the region in an election on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

The candidates are: