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17
Jul 2023
Last Updated: 17/07/2023
Selby and Ainsty by-election candidates have their say – Part 5
Selby and Ainsty by-election candidates John Waterston of the SDP (left), and Arnold Warneken of the Green Party.
This article is the fifth 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 dramatic 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), Guy Phoenix (Heritage Party), Sir Archibald Stanton (Official Monster Raving Loony Party), and Matt Walker (Liberal Democrats).
Continuing to take their surnames in alphabetical order, today's candidates are Arnold Warneken of the Green Party, and John Waterston of the Social Democratic Party.
Tomorrow: Luke Wellock (Climate Party), and Tyler Callum Wilson-Kerr (independent).
Arnold Warneken, Green Party
A progressive, left-wing environmentalist party that has been campaigning for environmental approach to legislation since it was founded in 1990.
"I’ve lived and worked in the Ainsty area for nearly 40 years. Back in the 1990s I was branded ‘Harrogate council’s conscience’ by the then chief executive. I still have a reputation for getting things done, and I work hard for residents all year round, not just at election time.
"I currently sit on Selby planning committee, Ainsty drainage board, and North Yorkshire Moors National Park Authority, so I have considerable experience of decision-making in local government.
"I am already campaigning on 20’s Plenty to cut speed limits, and on river quality at North Yorkshire Council.
"I am free to speak up in Westminster for this constituency, because I’m not told how to vote by Green Party bosses.
"But being a candidate for a small party does not mean that I am a lone force. I lead a skilled team with wide expertise, and I could not be an effective MP without this team.
"If you are usually a Labour vote, by voting Green you are telling Labour to put proportional representation in their manifesto, re-instate their green funding, and cancel new oil.
"If you are usually a Conservative voter, by voting Green you are telling the Tories to allow onshore wind, fund the NHS, and stop dumping sewage.
"The Green Party already has a well-respected MP, two members of the House of Lords, over 750 elected councillors, and four local parish/town councillors.
"Greens have solutions which marry environmental and social justice, enabling lower energy bills AND saving the planet, by investment in renewables and home insulation. We believe in universal basic income, renationalising public utilities, a minimum wage of £15/hour, and ending NHS privatisation.
"Drax must move from ‘burning stuff’ to become a genuinely renewable energy supplier, with long-term employment prospects. Drax’s current subsidy of £1.7m/day could power a resilient carbon-neutral future.
"Farming payments need switching to nature-friendly systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, encourage wildlife, and end factory farming.
"Voting Labour or Conservative won’t change this government yet, but another Green MP will make a huge difference in Parliament, so please give me that opportunity."
John Waterston, Social Democratic Party
A Eurosceptic, socially conservative party that espouses centre-left economic policy and supports a social market economy.
"I have lived here for 31 years and raised two children alongside my wife, Ruth, and we have both worked in the area all of that time.
"I believe the role of a constituency MP is exactly that – a representative for constituents and an influencer on their behalf.
"Crime and Justice: I want to help address the inefficiencies in local policing who deal with public nuisance and anti-social behaviour. I live in the centre of Selby and witness how it strangles the activity and economic success of the town.
"Youth: There is very little to interest, stimulate or engage them. I grew up in a community that had similar challenges and have a range of ideas that could meet this challenge, which directly links with the public nuisance concerns.
"Transport: The bus services post-lockdown have essentially collapsed, from a position that was already inadequate.
"Communities are left with one or two routes per week, restricting movement to daytime hours. It restricts the economy, and crucially, employment opportunities are lost, because without a car, it is impossible to get to work for most shifts. I want to address this urgently.
"Failure to support our economy: There has been no effort and no imagination in how to stimulate a new economy for the 21st century. Tourism could be a key asset. Making connections in Asia and elsewhere, if coordinated with more quality hotel accommodation, would pay great dividends.
"We are a hub for the boating community and that needs to be supported and encouraged. We are geographically blessed by way of transport links to Manchester, Edinburgh and London, all within two hours. The A1(M) is 10 minutes away, providing access to the M62 and the M18. We are the gateway to the North Yorkshire coast. It is a tremendous place to set up a business or set up a home, as I discovered 31 years ago, and the people here deserve better support than they are getting.
"This is why the people of Selby and Ainsty should vote for me."
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