Reform UK has named opposing the reduction in Harrogate firefighters and the Station Gateway scheme as two of its key local priorities.

The right-wing party is polling 13% in national opinion polls, ahead of the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party.

Last weekend former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe, who is now Reform UK's immigration and justice spokesperson, was guest speaker at Harrogate and Knaresborough Reform UK's gala dinner at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate.

Speaking afterwards, local party activist John Swales said Reform UK stood for reducing the size of the state and opposing policies to reduce UK emissions that cost people money.

Closer to home, he said the party in Harrogate and Knaresborough was particularly concerned about the forthcoming reduction in nighttime firefighting capability at Harrogate Fire Station.

He also said it opposed the £11.2 million Station Gateway scheme, adding:

I was a Conservative voter all my life and I don't understand what they are doing anymore

Mr Swales said Reform UK was also keen to "cut out layers of bureaucracy", and he cited the role of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner as ripe for pruning.

Reform UK has said it will field candidates in every constituency at the next general election.

Richard Brown has been selected in Harrogate and Knaresborough but Mr Swales said he was "currently incapacitated".

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• Revised Harrogate Station Gateway plans won't be revealed until spring