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22
May
Labour names candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough
The Labour Party has selected Conrad Whitcroft as its candidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough at the next general election.
Mr Whitcroft, who has never previously stood for parliament, lives in York and works as a project manager for insurance firm Aviva.
He was elected to represent Fishergate on City of York Council this month and supported David Skaith's successful mayoral campaign for Labour.
Mr Whitcroft attended school in Northampton then graduated from the University of York with a degree in politics.
A profile on the York Labour Party website describes him as an 'active union rep' and environmental campaigner. He has also been an intern in the House of Commons.
Mr Skaith's victory in this month's York and North Yorkshire mayoral election boosted local Labour supporters.
But the party faces an uphill battle to win in Harrogate and Knaresborough at the next general election. Mark Sewards, its candidate in 2019, polled just 10% of votes to finish third behind Conservative Andrew Jones and Liberal Democrat Judith Rogerson.
Mr Jones will defend the seat for the Tories while Tom Gordon will stand for the Lib Dems.
Conrad Whitcroft with supporters.
In a Labour press release today, Mr Whitcroft said Harrogate and Knaresborough "has been let down by more than a decade of Conservative-led government".
He added:
The press release added:
Harrogate-born Mr Skaith said:
Chris Watt, chair of Harrogate and Knaresborough Labour Party, said:
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