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04
Jun 2024
On the road: Will Tory dominance continue in Ripon?
At the last general election in December 2019, Conservative candidate Julian Smith had a majority of 23,694 in the solidly Tory constituency of Skipton and Ripon. But even with such a commanding lead last time, is his seat safe?
On a busy market day in Ripon, the Stray Ferret sought the views of electors on the issues that will influence their voting decision on July 4 and where better to start than the cafe Coffee at Number Ten?
James Asquith, manager of Coffee at Number Ten
Manager James Asquith (pictured above) said he hasn't been following the election so far but will be waiting to see what each of the candidates has to offer in terms of help for smaller businesses in the city. He said:
We celebrate our third birthday in October and believe that there needs to be more support for independents like ourselves to help us to keep competitive with the big boys. We are having to pay the same rates as them and that doesn't seem fair.
Alistair and Cerys Gill who live in Bishop Monkton, said they are part of the 'squeezed middle'. Mr Gill explained:
We've worked hard over the years and in truth, none of the policical parties have done anything for us, but they show their faces when it's election time and they want our vote.
Politicians need to be more visibe at community events and supportive of the small independent businesses in Ripon.
Alistair and Cerys Gill
Mr and Mrs Gill didn't want to say how they have voted previously, but said that they don't expect to be changing allegiance.
Primary school teacher Grace Foster-Lilly, said:
It's definitely time for a change and we need a government that is more family-focused and properly supports the needs of children at schools by providing improved facilities and infrastructure.
We also need a system in which childcare costs paid by the government cover the full working day to help parents who are struggling.
Grace Foster-Lilly with her two-year-old son Rupert
Army veteran Stephen Pigott, who was born and bred in Ripon, is unlikely to be voting at the general election. He said:
I used to vote, but for me I think that all governments are the same and I don't get anywhere with any of them.
Stephen Pigott
He added:
Over the years I have become very dismayed and I don't think I'll be voting for any of them this time.
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