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28
Apr 2022
Last Updated: 27/04/2022
Election 2022: Harlow and St George's candidate preview
Conservative Steven Jackson, The Green Party's Andrew Rickard, Independent Sarah Hart, Labour's John Adams and Liberal Democrat Michael Schofield are standing for election next week in the Harlow and St George’s division.
Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.
A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.
Today, we look at the Harlow and St George’s division, which will see five candidates standing for election.
Steven Jackson, Conservative
Steven Jackson is the Conservative candidate for the Harlow and St George’s division.Mr Jackson is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and represents the Harrogate Saltergate ward.
He chairs the council's audit and governance committee.
When asked why he was standing for North Yorkshire Council, Mr Jackson said:
“As an experienced councillor, I can demonstrate a track record of delivering for residents. Whether the issue is housing, development, traffic, crime or the local economy, I always fight for my constituents.
“Living in the ward myself, I have established strong relationships with local residents and community groups, and I am passionate about ensuring our local area is the best it can be.”
He added:
“Outside politics I work to regenerate brownfield land, and I believe that the skills I have developed can be used working on a key issue in our area - ensuring that we have sustainable, environmentally friendly, infrastructure led development, which protects what makes our town a great place to live. I promise to scrutinise any development in our area and ensure that local people’s views are heard.
“If elected, I promise to continue working all year round and to support all residents, irrespective of political allegiance.”
Andrew Rickard, Green Party
The Green Party candidate for the division is Andrew Rickard.Mr Rickard has lived in Harrogate for 15 years and in the Harlow and St George’s area for the last decade.
He currently runs a consultancy business providing financial advice to businesses and was recently the chair of Harrogate and District Round Table. He is also chair of the Harrogate Green Party and is a scout and rugby coach.
On why he is standing, Mr Rickard said:
“I'm standing in this election because of the frustration of seeing the growing disconnect between the common sense views of local residents and the divisive direction and decision making of those apparently in control.
“I will use my extensive experience of managing and chairing businesses and community groups to reverse the flow of power - local government decision making must reflect the views of the local people it represents.”
He added:
“I believe I will make a good councillor because of my business experience, my community engagement and my local knowledge and connections through raising a family here.”
Sarah Hart, Independent
Sarah Hart will be standing as an independent candidate for Harlow and St George’s division.A business owner and resident in the division area, Ms Hart said she and the other independent candidates wanted to make a difference on the new authority.
Speaking in a personal capacity, she said she felt there was a “lack of transparency” in local politics and wanted to “facilitate genuine community engagement with local groups, businesses and residents”.
Among her priorities would be to fix roads and pavements, stop the Otley Road cycle path, promote existing cycle routes and protect community green spaces.
She said:
“I will push for a circular economy, and support shop local, which will benefit our local economy.
“I recognise we are a tourist town, but for too long it seems tourists have been a priority over the residents and businesses, this needs to change.
“I recognise the lack of secure affordable homes for local people and co-founded Harrogate Community Land Trust to address this problem, which is a not-for-profit, community led organisation. I also volunteer at Resurrected Bites, a fantastic charity that is helping families with the cost of living crisis and stopping food waste going to landfill.”
She added that she would also push for a review of the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, recognise the climate emergency and work with schools to ease congestion.
John Adams, Labour
John Adams is standing for the Labour Party in the Harlow and St George’s division.Mr Adams is a retired university professor and has lived in Harrogate for the last 17 years.
His grandfather was Labour MP for South Hammersmith, William Adams.
Mr Adams has been a lifelong member of the party and says he is committed to “reducing inequality”.
He said:
“I have a commitment to reducing inequality in UK, which has deepened so much in the last decade. My professional expertise is in economics.
"At present I am treasurer of a national charity, have chaired another, and have an MBE for services to education.”
Mr Adams added:
“Our area is relatively prosperous, compared to much of the country, but there are major issues about social housing and transport and the need for career opportunities — not just ‘jobs’ — for young people.”
Michael Schofield, Liberal Democrat
The Liberal Democrat candidate for Harlow and St George’s is Michal Schofield.Mr Schofield was born in Harrogate and has lived in Harlow Hill on-and-off since 1982.
He is currently the landlord of the Shepherd's Dog pub on Otley Road, which he runs with his wife Donna.
He has acted the role of the Dame in Rossett School pantomimes for the last couple of years.
Mr Schofield said he felt it was important to help local schools.
He said:
“I believe it is important to see improved funding for schools.
“In addition, as local businesses continue to struggle it's important to grow the buy local campaign so everyone is contributing to a much stronger local economy.”
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