The Masham businesswoman aiming to be North Yorkshire’s first mayor

Felciity Cunliffe-Lister has not been in the political arena for long — but she feels she is the strongest candidate to become the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The co-owner of the Swinton Estate in Masham is the Liberal Democrat candidate on polling day on May 2.

However, despite being the official party candidate, she believes the role should be decided on who has the best business skillset.

She told the Stray Ferret that her two decades experience of running Swinton coupled with her years as a commercial property lawyer in London put her in a good position for the role.

Ms Cunliffe-Lister said:

“The reason why I’m doing it personally is because I think you need somebody with the right skillset to do it.

“I think you need somebody with a really strong proven track record in business. I don’t think you should be appointing someone with a strong political career.”

Ms Cunliffe-Lister worked in property law in London during her 20s. One of the major projects she was involved with was London Eye.

She moved to Masham with husband Mark following the family buy-back of Swinton Park.  The couple converted the castle into a hotel and opened it in 2001.

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister

The Swinton estate as a whole now has a £6 million turnover and employs 150 people.

It’s this that Ms Cunliffe-Lister points to when pressed on what qualifies her to to run for mayor:

“I know how to run an organisation and I know how to be a leader. I know how to give people a clear vision. But I also have the experience of knowing what it is like to run a business and I understand what the challenges are.”

Manifesto pledges

But the role does come with an element of politics.

Ms Cunliffe-Lister, who is also North Yorkshire councillor for Mashams and Fountains division, launched her manifesto at the start of April.

Her pledges included a campaign for better services on the Harrogate to York line, a single ticket integrated bus services and converting empty premises above shops into flats.

She also pledged support for a new rail station at Flaxby Parkway, which has its roots in the long running debate over whether it should have hosted a new 3,000-home settlement in the Harrogate district.

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When asked if she had any specific priorities for Harrogate, she pointed to the town’s convention centre which she said has had a “shadow of doubt” hanging over it.

North Yorkshire Council revealed in March it had abandoned plans for a £57 million refurbishment of the ageing events and exhibitions venue, citing complexities and cost.

Ms Cunliffe-Lister said the centre was still viable and there were “easy wins” which could help it to be operated successfully:

“I would like to see the Harrogate Convention Centre up and running successfully without this shadow of doubt hanging over it any longer. 

“There are some really easy wins there. It’s just not been run commercially and it could easily do so. I would like to enable that to happen for it to be able to function properly. I think it is viable as a site.”

Aside from specific pledges, Ms Cunliffe-Lister also ruled out levying a mayoral precept on council tax and said she would consider appointing a deputy to oversee the police and fire service functions.

When asked whether she was confident going into election day, she said she felt she was the candidate with the strongest skillset:

“If you consider the skills of the person, and I do strongly believe that you need to elect a mayor based on that point alone, in my view I’ve got the best set of skills to do that. 

“I think in mayoral elections, people do not necessarily vote according to the party that they normally support. I think it’s down to the personality of the candidate.”

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

The deadline to register to vote is 11:59pm, Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

The candidates are:

Local MPs support smoking ban

Two local MPs have said they support today’s vote to make it illegal for anyone born since 2009 to ever smoke.

MPs will vote today on Rishi Sunak’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

Conservative MPs have been given a free vote on the issue and this afternoon’s Commons debate is being broadcast on Parliament TV.

Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, told the Stray Ferret he supported the bill. He added:

“Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the UK and I want people to live longer, healthier lives rather than dying younger following a period of significant illness.

“Also NHS beds and appointments taken up by people with smoking-related illnesses mean there are fewer beds for people with other issues meaning longer waiting lists for treatment so reducing the number smoking is good for everyone’s health.

“Finally there are an amazing number of days lost in the workplace due to ill health caused by smoking.  Fewer smokers is better for our economy and our productivity.”

The Stray Ferret also asked Julian Smith, the Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon, and Keir Mather, the Labour MP for Selby and Ainsty, if they would vote in favour of the bill.

A spokesperson for Mr Mather said:

“Owing to an urgent engagement in the constituency, Keir will be paired for today’s vote so will be shown as an abstention.

“However, he has asked me to let you that he supports the legislation in principle because it will be a positive step for public health which the Labour Party has supported for some time now.”

Mr Smith said:

“I support the policy and will be voting for it.”

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss told the Commons the idea that the government “protect adults from themselves is hugely problematic”. She added:

“If people want to vote for finger-wagging, nannying control freaks, there are plenty of them to choose from on the benches opposite.”

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Amber’s restaurant at Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate is now open

Amber’s at Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate is now open.

The hotel, which has been undergoing an extensive refurbishment over the last 12 months, has invested £500,000 into the venture.

Yorkshire-based interior design practice, Studio Two, orchestrated its redesign and renovation, which has been designed to elevate the usual hotel restaurant experience. Inspired by the building’s rich history, think ornate detailing, earthy warm tones, and intricate details.

Offering a Yorkshire take on contemporary British cuisine in a sophisticated setting, the chefs have been working closely with local suppliers to design a carefully curated menu.

Beef brisket at Amber’s

Dishes include 28-day dry aged steaks Hereford breed beef, sourced locally from Sykes House Farm, Wetherby, roasted Gressingham duck breast and Sunday lunches with all the trimmings.

Meanwhile, its bar offers a mixture of traditional and modern drinks and includes the signature Amber’s margarita cocktail, which is made with pineapple tequila, agave syrup and lime juice. This is inspired by Lady Amber Fitzwilliam and her travels to South America, a fictional character, which has been invented to add depth and intrigue to the backstory of the new restaurant.

The private dining room at Amber’s

Alongside its main restaurant and bar which seats 75 people, there is a newly created private dining and entertaining venue, The Imaginarium, which offers capacity for up to 28 people, and the refreshed banqueting venue, known as The Queen Suite, has a capacity of up to 250 people.

The main dining room at Amber’s

Wayne Topley, Managing Director, Cedar Court said:

“It is fantastic to finally be able to share our brand-new restaurant, Amber’s, with guests, visitors and members of the local community after months of hard work.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our event on Tuesday 16 April to showcase what we have been working on, celebrate and make connections!”

Amber’s Restaurant, Cedar Court Harrogate, Park Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5AH.

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Ex-James Bond star Pierce Brosnan spotted in Harrogate bar

Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan was spotted in a Harrogate bar last night.

The Irish actor, who was the fifth person to play 007, was seen having a drink at The Fat Badger on Cold Bath Road last night.

The Stray Ferret was sent a photo of Mr Brosnan enjoying a pint — rather than a martini — at the bar, which is part of The White Hart Hotel.

The 70-year-old played James Bond four times, including in Die Another Day and GoldenEye.

He has also featured in blockbusters such as the Mamma Mia! franchise, Survivor, Laws of Attraction and Mrs Doubtfire.

During his career, he has received two Golden Globe nominations for his performances in The Matador and Nancy Astor, as well as winning the outstanding European achievement in world cinema award at the European Film Awards in 2016.

Mr Brosnan even won a Razzie Award for worst supporting actor for his role in Mamma Mia!.

Pic: Nicholas PJ Snape

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He is not the first familiar face to be spotted in the Harrogate district, which became something of a celebrity hotspot last year.

Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet, who rose to fame in Titanic, visited the Crown Hotel at Middlesmoor last May.

Leathal Weapon star Danny Glover dined at Efes Bar and Grill in the summer, while world-famous DJ Calvin Harris was spotted at Wetherby Services in August.

Meanwhile, TV personality and writer Gyles Brandreth bemoaned his poor night’s sleep at a Harrogate hotel following his one-man show at the Royal Hall, and Toyah Wilcox and Robert Fripp praised Bettys’ cake as the “nectar of paradise”.

And Morrissey, enigmatic former frontman of The Smiths, was spotted having a quiet pint at The Harrogate Arms.

Send us your pictures and selfies if you bump into any famous people in the district. Email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Drivers face delays as four-week Pannal gasworks start

Drivers face delays in Pannal after four weeks of gasworks got underway.

Northern Gas Networks is carrying out utility repairs and maintenance work on the A61 Leeds Road near to the traffic lights at the junction with Follifoot Road.

Temporary traffic lights are in place in both directions on the A61 and on Station Road and Follifoot Road.

The work has caused delays for motorists during rush hour, with queues backing up to Fulwith Mill Lane in Harrogate.

Northern Gas Networks said the work is due to end on May 13.

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Man, 33, charged with robbery at Harrogate jeweller

A 33-year-old man has been charged with robbery at a Harrogate jewellers last week.

North Yorkshire Police today said the man will appear at York Magistrates Court this morning (April 16) after being arrested yesterday afternoon.

The constabulary said the man was from Leeds but did not name him.

Police issued a CCTV appeal about the suspected theft of two “high value watches” from Ogden’s on James Street last Wednesday (April 10).

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Harrogate Steel Company enters administration

A Nidderdale steel firm has gone into administration, according to official documents.

Harrogate Steel Company Ltd, which is based on Mill Hurst Business Park just outside Dacre, was founded by Dan Worsell and Richard Searle in 2016.

Mr Searle stepped down as a director at the end of 2023. 

The company, whose website says it is “big enough to trust but small enough to care”, offers in-house design, fabrication and installation services for construction projects as far afield as Bristol and London.

Local projects have included the construction of Paradise restaurant at Daleside Nurseries in Killinghall, and the filming gantry above the Barclay LED stand at Harrogate Town AFC. 

According to the latest available accounts for the company, in the year to the end of December 2022, the business employed an average of 28 employees.

It owed creditors more than £1 million and had net assets totalling just over £270,000.

Online public records journal The Gazette said Andrew Ryder of County Antrim-based insolvency practitioners JT Maxwell was appointed administrator on April 10.

The Stray Ferret has attempted to contact Harrogate Steel Company.

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Has Harrogate iStore closed for good?

The Stray Ferret understands the iStore on Harrogate‘s James Street may have closed for good.

The town centre shop has been a long-term destination for many people looking to buy or repair Apple products.

It is one of 10 stores run by London-based Albion Computers PLC, and the only one in the north of England.

At the start of the month, the Harrogate iStore closed its doors and put up a notice in the window saying it was ‘working on a new look’.

But multiple well placed sources have since told the Stray Ferret they do not expect it to re-open.

The signs advertising the new look have been removed and the view inside has been covered up. Albion has not provided an update.

The istore refurbishment notice in the shop on April 2.

The Stray Ferret has contacted Albion but has not yet had a response.

The company describes itself on its website as ‘an Apple premium reseller and Apple premium service provider’ with ‘over 35 years experience in supplying and supporting Apple technology’.

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‘We don’t want more of the same’, says Pateley Bridge mayoral candidate

In the first of a series of interviews with candidates to be the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, the Stray Ferret speaks to Keith Tordoff who is standing as an independent.

Keith Tordoff is no stranger to the election scene.

The Pateley Bridge businessman stood for North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner twice and has now put his name forward again for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Initially standing for the Yorkshire Party, Mr Tordoff will once again be contesting the election on May 2 as an independent.

The Stray Ferret met him in Tordoff Gallery, his film poster venture on Pateley Bridge High Street which he operates alongside wife Gloria, to discuss his latest election campaign.

The 67-year-old is keen to stress that the mayor should be independent and that he has the credentials for the role.

Mr Tordoff spent 20 years as a police officer in Leeds, working on cases such as that of Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire ripper. He later went into business and founded the Oldest Sweet Shop in the World in Pateley Bridge, which he sold in March 2021.

He boasts that he has not been on holiday abroad for 25 years as North Yorkshire is a “fantastic place to live”.

But, despite the extensive experience, Mr Tordoff is standing as an independent as opposed to joining any of the established political parties.

“I am an independent, which I think is very important because I think it is a role that should be independent.

“They [the political parties] are always going to try and get what they want for their particular area. Whereas, if I was elected, I can act to work with them but I can also act to work with all the people from both communities which is what it should be about.”

For him, the election is the last opportunity for an independent to get into power.

“This is the last ditch opportunity for people in York and North Yorkshire to have somebody elected who will deliver for them.”

‘These are not flights of fancy’

Mr Tordoff is full of ideas, though some have led to disagreements and raised eyebrows.

He points to his manifesto and priorities, where he pledges to make public transport free for under-18s to get to school and college, introduce a single ticket for frictionless travel and unlock brownfield land for 2,000 homes.

“These are not flights of fancy, these are deliverable.”

Keith Tordoff.

Keith Tordoff on Pateley High Street

He also feels the mayor should only have one office in York in order to save money, rather than the proposed two offices in York and Northallerton.

But perhaps his most attention grabbing policy pledge has been to give 2,000 households three free chickens.

Mr Tordoff claimed the move would help to save 100 tonnes of food waste each month and improve the health of poorer households.

He announced the policy in June last year, when he was standing as the Yorkshire Party’s mayoral candidate. But the controversy it generated led to him resigning from the party and becoming an independent.

Mr Tordoff told the Stray Ferret that he “100%” stood by the pledge and described it as “deliverable”.

He said:

“Some people pooh poohed it. But bear in mind, everybody was talking about and is still talking about it.

“It was nearly a year ago that I said that and it clearly resonated with people.”

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Despite being up against established political parties, Mr Tordoff remains confident people will vote for something different this time:

“I am hoping the public are disillusioned and there is a realisation that if we vote for these people again then we are going to get more of the same.”

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

The deadline to register to vote is 11:59pm, Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

The full list of candidates are:

Harrogate fighter’s Canada dream ends with knockout

Harrogate kickboxer Nathaniel Kalogiannidis’ bid to break through to international glory was stopped in its tracks in London on Saturday when he was knocked out in the second round. 

As we reported last month, the Harrogate muay thai fighter was up against Tyneside opponent Joe Welch in the Road To ONE UK final, organised by the Hitman Fight League at the O2 Arena.

The pair were battling it out for the chance to fight in Canada in November, and the winner of that tournament will win a six-figure contract to fight in the Singapore-based ONE Championship, Asia’s biggest fight promotion organisation. 

Kalogiannidis, who went to King James’s School in Knaresborough, trains at the Kao Loi Gym on Skipton Road in Harrogate and is currently ranked eighth in the UK in the middleweight division. Joe Welch is ranked sixth.

The Harrogate man started brightly, catching Welch with a big punch and dropping him for an eight count. At the end of the first round, he was ahead on points. 

But this only seemed to spur Welch on and he came out quickly for the second round, closing Kalogiannidis down with inside low kicks. 

He then unleashed a brutal right hook, knocking Kalogiannidis out cold. 

Speaking to the Stray Ferret, the Harrogate fighter said: 

“I didn’t think anybody could do that to me, but Joe’s very good – one of the best in the world.” 

Photo of Knaresborough muay thai fighter Nathaniel Kalogiannidis walking back to his corner of the ring during his bout against Dan Bonner in February 2024.

Nathaniel Kalogiannidis. Photo: Lamine Mersch.

He said he would now take some downtime to let his injuries heal and decide on his next steps, but insisted he wasn’t finished with the sport he loves. He said: 

“You can’t make mistakes in this game. If you do, you’ve got to live with the consequences. You live by the sword, you die by the sword. But it’s all I want to do and I’m still only 25, so I’ll carry on.”

Muay thai is known as the ‘art of eight limbs’ because it allows the use of eight ‘weapons’ – the hands, the elbows, the knees, and the legs/feet. 

Joe Welch will now compete in a four-man Grand Prix Final on November 23, 2024 in Alberta, Canada. 

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