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04
Dec
North Yorkshire councillor joins Green and Independents group
Another councillor has joined the Green and Independents group on North Yorkshire Council in a further shift of the political landscape on the authority.
Cllr Rich Maw, who is an independent and represents Weaponness and Ramshill on the council, confirmed he had joined the group in a statement today (December 4).
The move means the Green and Independents become the fourth largest group on the authority with eight councillors behind the Conservatives & Independents, the Liberal Democrats, and Labour.
Cllr Maw said the group naturally aligned with his values and priorities. He said:
I have decided to join the Green & Independents Group on North Yorkshire Council because its values closely match my own.
The group’s commitment to fairness, social justice, environmental responsibility, and strong local representation aligns with the priorities I hold for our communities. Working together will strengthen my ability to stand up for residents and deliver positive, practical change.
Cllr Kevin Foster, leader of the Green and Independents group, said:
We’ve always valued collaboration, and Rich has consistently shown himself to be a dedicated and hardworking councillor. His deep commitment to his residents and his strong community values make him a fantastic addition to our group. We're delighted to welcome him.
The move comes as opposition councillors said there was a “new political landscape” emerging in North Yorkshire after the Conservative-led group on the unitary authority lost its majority.
Last week, Cllr John Mann, who represents Oatlands and Pannal division, resigned from the Conservative party to sit as an independent on the council.
The decision by Cllr Mann means the Conservative and Independent group on North Yorkshire Council now has 45 out of 90 members.
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