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Jun
Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.
In May, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared a General Election will be held on July 4, meaning Parliament is now dissolved. This means our current MPs are no longer officially MPs, and every seat in the House of Commons is vacant until they are elected or re-elected.
This month, Labour’s David Skaith was also elected the first mayor of York and North Yorkshire.
Here’s what we know after analysing our MPs’ online presence. This covers the period until Parliament was dissolved.
Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.
In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what found on Conservative Andrew Jones:
When we contacted Mr Jones for comment, his office sent details of April engagements.
These included a meeting with developer Avant Homes to “discuss concerns” about its Knaresborough development, as well as meeting North Yorkshire Council’s leaders.
Mr Jones also visited Harrogate District Hospital to view the construction of the new day-case ward and theatres.
He also met Chief Constable Tim Forber and opened the new extension to Crystal Court Care Home in Pannal.
Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.
In Ripon, here is what we found on Conservative Julian Smith:
Mr Smith also called for business rated to be reduced for businesses affected by the A59 closure at Kex Gill. He said:
“A reduction in business rates is not a silver bullet but it will help ensure that these businesses can weather the storm and give them a fighting chance when the road does re-open, hopefully, at the end of the month.”
He also visited Yorkshire Water’s wastewater treatment works in Dishforth, as well as a farm at Mallard Grange in Ripon.
The Stray Ferret did not receive a response from Mr Smith when we contacted his office for comment.
Keir Mather, Selby and Ainsty MP.
Keir Mather was elected Labour MP for Selby and Ainsty, which covers parts of south Harrogate, last year.
However, with the new Wetherby and Easingwold seat set to be contested for the first time this year, Mr Mather's constituency would no longer cover Harrogate if re-elected.
Here is what we found on Mr Mather this month:
Mr Mather also took part in the Great Selby Bike Ride this month.
He also plugged Labour’s plans for reliable public transport, cutting household bills and offering more neighbourhood police.
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