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05
Mar
Tories name candidate for Harrogate by-election
The Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservative Association has selected John Ennis as its candidate for the by-election to succeed Pat Marsh on North Yorkshire Council.
Harrogate resident Mr Ennis will contest the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone division brought about by Ms Marsh's resignation last week.
The former mayor and Liberal Democrat councillor of 33 years posted antisemitic messages on X, formerly Twitter, which described Jewish people as “horrendous” and “vile”.
Mr Ennis, whose background is in healthcare, today said local councillors should be “focused on our area”, rather than “venting about foreign affairs”. He added:
Mr Ennis ran in the last election for the same division in May 2022. Pat Marsh, who won, received 1,350 votes while Mr Ennis was second with 910 votes.
He cited social care, special education needs and preserving the environment as "big things" to focus on.
He added:
The Tories are the first party to announce a candidate for the by-election, which will be held on Thursday, April 11.
The winning councillor will serve until May 2027.
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