Labour are predicted to win a landslide at the next general election and Geoff Foxall is hoping some of that optimism will rub off on his campaign to become the new councillor for Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone.

He believes John Ennis and the Conservatives “don’t stand a chance” so he hopes people who typically vote tactically for the Lib Dems will feel confident enough to vote Labour this time.

Mr Foxall said:

Born and raised in Harrogate, he was a councillor for Labour on Harrogate Borough Council for eight years in the 1990s.

He’s also a former teacher in the town and has been saddened at how council finances and public services have been squeezed.

He said:

Mr Foxall was a campaigner against the relief road through the Nidd Gorge and is a board member of Long Lands Common, the community woodland between Harrogate and Knaresborough.

He also organises weekly walks for elderly residents and says improving social care and helping people to live independently is an issue he’s passionate about.

He said traffic and congestion are a huge issue in the division, particularly around Wetherby Road, and would like to see a park-and-ride scheme introduced for Harrogate and improvements to buses.

He added:

Mr Foxall is optimistic about his chances and hopes he can be a bold voice for Harrogate on North Yorkshire Council. He said:

The by-election will take place on Thursday April 11. For more information visit the council’s website.

A full list of candidates is below:

• Conservative – John Ennis.


• Green – Gilly Charters.


• Labour – Geoff Foxall.


• Liberal Democrat – Andrew Timothy.


• Reform – John Swales.

Read more:

• Stray, Woodlands & Hookstone by-election preview: Gilly Charters, Green Party


• Stray, Woodlands & Hookstone by-election preview: John Ennis, Conservative