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17
Mar 2024
Harrogate councillor resigns Tory whip to stand for mayor
Harrogate councillor Paul Haslam has resigned as a Conservative to stand as an independent candidate in the York and North Yorkshire mayoral election.
Mr Haslam, who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge on North Yorkshire Council, has set up the website haslam4mayor.com for his campaign.
The website says he is "free from party shackles" and "committed to fighting for North Yorkshire’s best interests". It says the national government "has ignored the north of England and in particular our area", adding:
Mr Haslam, who is the council's climate change champion, said his priorities included securing fair, inclusive and lasting economic growth, creating higher paid jobs, improving public transport and more affordable housing.
His website added:
Keen runner Mr Haslam, who is taking part in next month's London marathon, said he would run across the region on foot as part of his campaign.
He said this demonstrated his commitment to reducing the carbon footprint. Conservative candidate Keane Duncan is conducting a 100-day tour of the county in a campervan.
Tories grip on North Yorkshire weakens
Mr Haslam's decision to leave the Conservatives means the Tories now have 44 of 90 seats on North Yorkshire Council — fewer than half.
The party shored up its control last year by convincing three independents, including Ripon Minster and Moorside Cllr Andrew Williams, to join a Conservatives and Independents group.
But Mr Haslam's departure again has weakened the Tories' grip.
The mayoral election will take place on May 2.
Mr Haslam will be up against Liberal Democrat Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Conservative Keane Duncan, Green candidate Kevin Foster, Labour’s David Skaith and independent Keith Tordoff.
Read more:
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- Lib Dems chose Swinton Park owner to stand for North Yorks mayor
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