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17
Dec
Harrogate councillor joins Green Party
An Independent Harrogate councillor has joined the Green Party.
Cllr Michael Schofield, who represents Harlow and St Georges division on North Yorkshire Council, made the announcement in a statement today (December 17).
The former landlord of the Shepherd’s Dog pub in Harrogate was already a member of the Green and Independents group on the council, but remained as an Independent councillor.
Now, Cllr Schofield has made the decision to relinquish his Independent status and join the Greens, saying they aligned with his values.
He said:
Having spent two years as an Independent, it gave me the ability to collaborate on many issues cross-party. During that time, I have found myself working alongside Councillor Warneken and the North Yorkshire Green Party on a number of local issues.
I have found that their values align very closely with my own, going way back to my earlier years following politics. Those values help underpin community, protection of our valuable green spaces, and support of the vulnerable within our society.
Ouseburn Councillor Arnold Warneken welcomes Michael Schofield to the Green Party.
'The Green Party is offering a clear choice'
Cllr Arnold Warneken, chair of the North Yorkshire Green Party, said he welcomed Cllr Schofield’s decision.
He said:
It’s fantastic that Mike has decided to join the Green Party - and we are all looking forward to working together. I’ve got to know him well with our joint work on Rotary Wood, and I’ve learned that he will always stand up for what’s right, and get the best for his community.
The Green Party is offering a clear choice to those who feel politically stateless - and I think that’s why we’ve seen a big jump in membership numbers. We’re inclusive and unafraid to speak out about difficult issues.
The Green and Independents group was previously bolstered when Cllr Rich Maw, who represents Weaponness and Ramshill, switched from being an Independent on December 4.
Cllr Schofield's move means the Green and Independents become the fourth largest group on the authority with eight councillors behind the Conservatives and Independents, the Liberal Democrats, and Labour.
Cllr Schofield was elected as a Liberal Democrat in 2022 before becoming an Independent.
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