Knaresborough's new Green mayor pledges support for young people

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One of the most recognisable faces in local Green party politics was made mayor of Knaresborough last night.

Councillor Shan Oakes, who represents the Knaresborough Scriven Park ward, will fulfil her mayoral duties for Knaresborough Town Council for a year, accompanied by her husband and consort, Bill Rigby – who was the town’s first ever Green mayor in 2016.

Her joint deputies will be Liberal Democrats Cllr James Pickard and Cllr Kit Lacey.

Assuming the chains of office in a mayor-making ceremony at Knaresborough House attended by about 70 people, Cllr Oakes said:

She also thanked her predecessor, Liberal Democrat Cllr Helen Westmancoat, for an “amazing and energetic year of non-stop mayoring”.

In her outgoing speech, Cllr Westmancoat said her term in office had focused on the importance of community, and she presented two trophies: the Community Cup to Knaresborough Connectors “for pulling us all together”, and the Environment Cup to Knaresborough Horticultural Society for its work organising the Open Gardens initiative.

She also presented cheques to her two chosen charities for the year: 1st Scriven Scout Group and Knaresborough Youth Council.

Speaking of her own chosen charities for the year ahead, Cllr Oakes said she wanted to continue Cllr Westmancoat’s support for young people, including the youth council, and asked for suggestions for how to support them.

She also named the training programmes available at Chain Lane community hub through Swift, the migrant support and integration group.

She said she wanted to “promote diversity in nature, as well as everyone’s uniqueness, so that we can really value each other’s specialness, and pull together to build a better future for everyone.”