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07
Jul
Green and independents form new political alliance on North Yorkshire Council
A new political group has been formed on North Yorkshire Council between Green Party and independent councillors.
Called the Green and Independents Political Grouping, the alliance has been set up to bring “like minded” people together who are “united by a shared commitment to fairness, sustainability, and social justice”, according to a statement today (July 7).
The group consists of all four Green councillors on the council: Kevin Foster, Andy Brown, David Noland and Arnold Warneken, as well as Independent councillors Cllr Paul Haslam, Cllr Mike Schofield and Cllr Kirsty Poskitt.
Cllr Schofield and Cllr Poskitt were previously part of the North Yorkshire Independents group, which included two members of Reform UK.
Today's statement said the group was formed in response to increasing concerns about inequality, discrimination, and the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.
It added that it believes the council has a vital role to play — despite financial pressures — in addressing these challenges locally.
Cllr Schofield, who represents Harlow and St George’s division on the council, said:
I personally do not feel I can work alongside a party like Reform, that has some very far right leanings and sections within it.
Due to this and the fact I believe there are some very serious climate and ecological issues within not only my division but also the entire county, I have decided to work as an Independent alongside my Green Party colleagues going forward.
Cllr Foster, Green Party councillor and leader of the new group, said:
I’ve always had a collaborative approach, and I look forward to working within the new group. We’ll stand up for what’s right for the people we represent.
Even when councils are short of money, they cannot skimp on fairness and inclusivity. We’ve seen too much unkindness. And we can’t ignore the climate emergency. We can have jobs for workers, money in our pocket and great ways to get around if we build a green economy. It’s an opportunity, not an inconvenience – and it’s what our residents tell us they want.
Meanwhile, Cllr Haslam, who represents Bilton and Nidd Gorge, said:
This alliance strengthens the voice of my residents. Crucially, our shared governance states: ‘People come before party; therefore, all members are expected to vote primarily in the best interests of their constituents and the residents of North Yorkshire.’ That principle is central to why I helped form this new, progressive group—because this carefully curated alliance fully supports, and does not compromise, my commitment to always act in the best interests of those I represent.
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