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16
Jul 2023
Last Updated: 15/07/2023
Selby and Ainsty by-election candidates have their say – Part 4
Sir Archibald Stanton, of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party, and Matt Walker, of the Liberal Democrats.
This article is the fourth of a series of six.
Voters across parts of the district will be heading to the polls on Thursday (July 20), when Selby and Ainsty holds a by-election triggered by the resignation last month of MP Nigel Adams.
Most of the Selby and Ainsty constituency lies beyond our district’s borders – it stretches almost as far as Goole and Doncaster – but its northern end does encompass Huby, Follifoot, Spofforth and some of the villages in the Vale of York, such as Tockwith, Green Hammerton and Long Marston.
There’s a broad field to choose from – there are 13 candidates – but who are they, and what do they believe?
In the lead-up to the by-election, we’re spotlighting two or three each day, giving constituents the opportunity to read about the people who wish to represent them at Westminster – in their own words.
So far, we've featured Andrew Gray (independent), Claire Holmes (Conservative), Mike Jordan (Yorkshire Party), Dave Kent (Reform UK), Keir Mather (Labour), Nick Palmer (independent), and Guy Phoenix (Heritage Party).
Continuing to take their surnames in alphabetical order, today's candidates are Sir Archibald Stanton of the Monster Raving Loony Party, and Matt Walker of the Liberal Democrats.
Tomorrow: Arnold Warneken (Green Party), and John Waterston (Social Democratic Party).
Sir Archibald Stanton, The Official Monster Raving Loony Party
Urging the electorate to “vote for insanity”, the party’s policy proposals include preventing identity theft by calling everyone Chris, and introducing a Board of Bribery which would set standardised rates on the principle of “sleaze for the many, not just the few”.
“Good people of Selby and Ainsty, Sir Archibald Stanton is the Official Monster Raving Loony Party candidate for your constituency on July 20, 2023.
“We are a party that’s on everyone’s side, no matter what your political persuasion may be. Yes, just like you, we have seen it all before, heard it all before and still don’t believe it.
“Let’s shake them up, between us we can show them that we do care about our country.
"Here’s a brief selection from our Manicfesto:-
Free dental treatment for ALL pensioners
No income tax payable on your State Pension
Be able to challenge politicians to prove that they have done what they said they were going to do in their manifesto
Be able to vote for your Prime Minister
Create a Ministry of Nostalgia to remind people of how things used to be.
….etc
"Together we can make your constituency very proud, the wonderful district that changed the face of modern-day politics.
"The Monster Raving Loony Party are the only OFFICIAL Party – all the rest are unofficial.
"Don’t let apathy win this election.
"Please remember the only wasted vote is one that’s not used, so if you don’t usually vote then vote unusually.
"Look out for the top hat symbol on your polling card and put a large X in the box for Loony, in the certain knowledge that you have carried out your democratic duty. You’ve got nothing to lose.
"Look out for Archie and his right-hand man Gilly on the campaign trail.
"And don’t forget – a vote for Sir Archibald is a vote for the future.
"Vote Sir Archibald Stanton on July 20, 2023 – you know it makes sense."
Matt Walker, Liberal Democrats
Matt Walker currently represents Knaresborough West on North Yorkshire County Council. The Liberal Democrats have usually come third in Selby and Ainsty, so will need to benefit from a considerable shift in the electoral landscape if they are to win this time.
“I’m delighted to have been selected as the local Liberal Democrat candidate for Selby and Ainsty. As a candidate I will be a passionate campaigner for the area, listening to residents' views and championing their issues.
“Residents across Selby and Ainsty have been let down, our NHS is on its knees. In my professional life I am a manager in the NHS, and in one of my previous roles I spent time managing the GP out-of-hours and minor injuries unit at Selby Memorial Hospital. I’ve seen first hand just how amazing our NHS is and just how much damage the Conservatives have done to it.
“The Liberal Democrats will be fighting for every vote at this election. Whether it’s the crisis in our NHS or the cost of living, the government has taken North Yorkshire for granted for too long and it’s time for a change.”
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