Wetherby and Easingwold: Sir Alec Shelbrooke, Conservative

Boroughbridge, Spofforth and a large part of the Vale of York now fall within the new Wetherby and Easingwold constituency. Here, Conservative candidate Sir Alec Shelbrooke sets out his priorities in the second of a series of policy statements written by the candidates standing for election in the constituency on July 4. 

As Member of Parliament for the Wetherby area since 2010, I’ve been able to secure funding for four new schools, new transport improvements, worked with businesses to cut unemployment, and led national campaigns to increase awareness and diagnosis of underreported women’s health issues such as endometriosis.

But the issue that’s driven me has been my local dementia strategy.

Like many, my family experienced the challenges of dementia, and I wanted to make sure others had access to better care, support and – hopefully soon – a medical cure. 

In Westminster, I successfully lobbied for more research funding and launched the first constituency-based local dementia strategy, bringing together clinicians, support groups and carers. 

Ten years on, I now have a plan to enhance cross-county commissioning of NHS services across North and West Yorkshire.

These issues are not the headline-grabbing ones you’ll see in the newspapers at this election, but they do matter. I have the experience to deliver for our area, both as a local Member of Parliament and having served in government. 

If I’m privileged to be returned as your local MP in the revised Wetherby & Easingwold constituency, my commitment to you is to remain active and accessible, and focused always on our community, with clear plans and bold action to deliver a more secure future.

I hope to earn your support on Thursday, July 4.

The candidates for the Wetherby and Easingwold constituency are:

• John Hall, Yorkshire Party
• Mike Jordan, Reform UK
• James Monaghan, Liberal Democrats
• Ben Pickles, Labour
• Sir Alec Shelbrooke, Conservative
• Arnold Warneken, Green Party

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