Rarely has a local parish council by-election held greater significance than the one in Ure Bank this month for a seat on Ripon City Council.

The city council has been in turmoil recently and the outcome could determine its future direction.

Three candidates will contest the by-election on November 20.

Five of the 11 current councillors support the mayor, Councillor Barbara Brodigan, a Liberal Democrat who leads an unaligned group.

The other six back former leader Cllr Andrew Williams, a member of the Conservative Party who leads the independents group who were elected under the banner of Putting Ripon Before Party Politics.

The result could therefore be crucial in the balance of power.

The Stray Ferret asked each candidate why they are standing and who they would support.

Dr Tom Cavell-Taylor — Liberal Democrat

Dr Tom Cavell-Taylor is a school governor who moved to Ripon 20 years ago to help set-up research and development company CPI Ltd, which provides apprenticeships and work placements at Outwood Academy Ripon.

Married with four children to Caroline, he co-chairs the estates and fabric group at Holy Trinity Church and chairs the Ripon branch of the Liberal Democrats.

He said the independents group, which held power until September, had created the current crisis by failing to support the city on key issues such as Ripon Market and by overseeing the departure of town hall staff.

Dr Tom Cavell-Taylor said he supported new mayor Cllr Brodigan and that he combined liberal values of fairness and inclusivity with an “entrepreneurial and business focused” approach.

He would campaign to revitalise the market, support Ripon Youth Council and part-pedestrianise the market square in summer. 

Sherrie Hunt — Independent

Sherrie Hunt, who runs a hairdressing business in a salon, has lived in Ripon all her life.

Asked why she had decided to stand, she said “the recent chaos” had prompted her to put her name forward.

A lifelong friend of former mayor, Cllr Jackie Crozier, she said she would support the independents group.

She added:

“I’m running as an independent and am aligned with this group. I support what they are doing but I’m nobody’s puppet either. There has been too much fighting. I don’t think a parish council should be political.”

Ms Hunt said she was passionate about young people’s issues and would use her role to help provide better services for them in the city. 

She added: “I feel like the council needs different opinions and fresh ideas.”  

Paula Pearse — Reform UK

Paula Pearse’s varied career has included working as a chef, sub-postmistress and crown court clerk.

She said: “I have a lot of experience to bring for the benefit of Ripon residents and business owners. Being part of the 555 sub-postmasters’ group who won against the Post Office, I have proven I can fight with determination for what I believe in.”

Ms Pearse said she was standing for Reform UK because of disappointment with the main parties’ recent performance.

She added she was bemused by recent events at Ripon City Council: “These factions are hindering the council working as a team in the best interests of Ripon. I do not intend to support either side, I am on the side of what's best for Ripon. We have other candidates ready to step up to the mark and our aim is for a Reform council.”