Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be contested in the district with most of the major parties standing in each one.

Today, we look at the Washburn and Birstwith division, where four candidates have put themselves forward.

Nathan Hull, Conservative

The Conservative candidate for Washburn and Birstiwth is Nathan Hull.

Mr Hull, who lives in Nidderdale, works as a solicitor in Harrogate.

On his priorities for standing, Mr Hull said:

“I am a family man, married with five children and have lived in Nidderdale for almost 10 years. By day I work in Harrogate as a solicitor.

“My priorities, if elected, will be to increase road safety around our villages by reducing speeding, ensure that local housing development serves local residents, look after our local schools and special schools, look after the elderly and vulnerable — some of my children have disabilities — protect our environment and countryside and support local businesses and organisations.”

Paul Trewhitt, Green Party

Paul Trewhitt will be the Green Party candidate for the division.

Mr Trewhitt has lived in Lower Nidderdale for the last 20 years and is a chartered marketer by trade.

He said his priorities if elected would be to tackle environmental issues such as flooding and water run-off, energy poverty, sustainable transport, as well as affordable housing.

Mr Trewhitt said:

“My primary concern is the environmental legacy current policies will leave on future generations.

I have lived in Lower Nidderdale for the last 20 years and feel well grounded within the community.

“My great-grandfather farmed in the valley at the time of the First World War. I am interested in local and environmental issues which will affect this community.”

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

Ian Galloway, Independent

Ian Galloway will be an independent candidate for the Washburn and Birstwith division.

Mr Galloway was the Conservative councillor for Bishop Monkton on Harrogate Borough Council until 2018.

But, he said he is standing as an independent after not being selected by the party.

Mr Galloway, who lives in Beckwithshaw, said his priority if elected would be to get more funding for rural areas.

He said:

“We are at the southern end of the new unitary authority area and we need to be cute and keep our eyes open.

“Resources are going to be allocated for by Harrogate and Scarborough. So we will need to keep our eyes open.”

Tom Watson, Liberal Democrat

The Liberal Democrat candidate for Washburn and Birstwith is Tom Watson.

Mr Watson lives in Dacre Banks with his wife.

He is currently the councillor for Nidd Valley on Harrogate Borough Council, which he was elected to six years ago.

Mr Watson is also chair of Hartwith-cum-Winsley Parish Council.

He said:

“I am a hard-working experienced councillor with the time, energy and commitment to actively represent the people of this new division on the new North Yorkshire Council.”

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Ripon Ure Bank and Spa division which will see four candidates standing for election.

Mike Chambers, Conservative

Mike Chambers is the Conservative candidate for Ripon Ure Bank and Spa division.

Mr Chambers has been associated with Ripon since 1967 and has lived permanently in the city since 1993.

He retired from the Royal Air Force in 2001, following a career, spanning 35 years, and took-up the appointment of Unit Welfare Officer at Claro Barracks, initially with 38 Engineer Regiment and subsequently with 21 Engineer Regiment, until eventually retiring in March 2012.

Mr Chambers currently represents the city on Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council. He also sits on Ripon City Council.

He is also the cabinet member for housing and safer communities on the borough council.

Mr Chambers said:

“The establishment of the new North Yorkshire Council presents new opportunities for Ripon. It is vital that we have strong representatives, able to speak out and get the best deal for Ripon. 

“With a proven record of service to our community, I believe that I am well placed to speak up for and deliver for Ripon.”

Robin Burgess, Green Party

Robin Burgess will stand for the Green Party in the division.

Mr Burgess lives in Ripon and manages the IT infrastructure at a scientific electronics company.

He said got interested in politics while at school in Knaresborough and believes in the “societal value of political participation”.

On why he is standing, Mr Burgess said:

“As a councillor, my goal will be to represent the interests of the people of Ripon and ensure that they have access to the public services they need in an environment that supports their health and wellbeing. 

“I am standing as a Green Party candidate because they are the only party that shares my commitment to protecting our planet whilst promoting a fairer society for everyone.”

Sid Hawke, Independent

Sid Hawke will be standing as an independent candidate in the division.

Mr Hawke, who lives in Ripon, currently represents the area on Harrogate Borough Council which he was elected to in 2018.

He also sits as a councillor on Ripon City Council.

On why he is standing for the new North Yorkshire Council, Mr Hawke said:

“I have lived in Ripon all my life and I am seeking election as an Independent because I believe in standing up for local residents rather than a political party.

“Ripon needs to see greater investment in our roads and pavements many of which are a disgrace and have been neglected by the Conservatives who take Ripon for granted.

“We need to see a significant improvement in the policing of our city and a provision of greater opportunities for the youth of Ripon.

“I am strongly opposed to the building of 1300 homes on the Claro Barracks which I believe will bring traffic gridlock to Ripon, we need a much more balanced use of this site.”

Barbara Brodigan, Liberal Democrat

The Liberal Democrat candidate for the division is Barbara Brodigan.

Ms Brodigan lives in Ripon and is a trained teacher who currently works as an education consultant, managing educational partnerships between schools, colleges and universities across Europe.

She founded the Ripon Spa Residents Action Group, which campaigns for a sustainable and improved road infrastructure ahead of the development of Ripon barracks.

She also campaign against overdevelopment, believing that the “fabric of the ancient city should be preserved and maintained for residents and visitors”.

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Ouseburn division which will see two candidates standing for election.

Richard Musgrave, Conservative

Richard Musgrave will be the Conservative candidate for the Ouseburn division on North Yorkshire Council.

Mr Musgrave is currently the councillor for the Escrick Division on North Yorkshire County Council.

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Musgrave for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.

A party spokesperson said:

“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.

“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.

“We are investing in the Hydro to provide more leisure facilities for local people.

“We need to continue the investment in our conference centre adapting it to the modern conference and exhibition industry. The centre underpins thousands of jobs across the district and brings in an estimated £29m to the local economy.”

Arnold Warneken, Green Party

Arnold Warneken is the Green Party candidate for the Ouseburn division on North Yorkshire Council.

Mr Warneken has lived in Ainsty for 40 years and was the councillor for Marston Moor on Harrogate Borough Council in the 1980s.

He said he joined the Green Party as it “recognises the need for social and environmental justice”.

On standing for North Yorkshire Council, Mr Warneken said:

“I joined the Green Party because it recognises the need for social and environmental justice, through the empowerment of local communities, with positive solutions to the issues that challenge human survival.

“I am active throughout the year organising food parcels via Ainsty Community Larder, medicines deliveries, and transport for residents. I support road safety measures such as 20’s Plenty and better recycling facilities, and I have personally emptied overflowing dog-poo bins. I have also distributed 300 recycling bags & boxes to residents.

“I have a proven track record of getting things done as a volunteer so that I can achieve so much more as a county councillor.”

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Boroughbridge and Claro division which will see five candidates standing for election.

Robert Windass, Conservative

Robert Windass is the Conservative candidate for the Boroughbridge and Claro division.

Mr Windass currently sits as a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and represents the area on the authority.

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Harrison for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.

A party spokesperson said:

“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.

“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.

“We are investing in the Hydro to provide more leisure facilities for local people.

“We need to continue the investment in our conference centre adapting it to the modern conference and exhibition industry. The centre underpins thousands of jobs across the district and brings in an estimated £29m to the local economy.”

Clark Pearson, Green Party

Clark Pearson is the green Party division on May 5.

Mr Pearson has lived in Knaresborough for the last 10 years. He has an interest in geography and architecture.

He said he was standing as he wants to protect the area from the climate emergency.

Mr Pearson said:

“It is one of the most picturesque places I know. With that in mind, why are we ruining, Knaresborough, Britain, and the world? 

“The planet is suffocating under a blanket of plastic and being warmed by a thermal insulation of CO2, all caused by this selfish animal we call humans.”

Jon Starkey, Independent

Jon Starkey will be standing as an independent candidate in Boroughbridge and Claro division.

Mr Starkey lives in Boroughbridge and is self-employed, working in event sound, lighting and audio visual.

He said his priorities for standing include lower council tax, tackling litter and fly-tipping, improving bus services, stopping major housing developments and improving accountability of councillors.

He said:

“I am a non-political candidate who is not governed or regulated by the policies of the national parties, consequently,

“I can better represent the interests and the residents of the area by saying exactly what I think without the need to tow the party line, and bring a whole new common sense attitude to local government.”

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

Andrew Bell, Liberal Democrat

Andrew Bell will be the Liberal Democrat candidate for Boroughbridge and Claro division.

Mr Bell, who lives in Knaresborough, said he is standing to tackle environmental issues and “improve the area”.

He set up Knaresborough Wombles, a group which litter picking group in the town.

Mr Bell said:

“I believe that we need to see a significant improvement in recycling rates, significantly increased electric car charging points, improvements to house building standards and introduction of local renewable energy schemes such as more local hydroelectric generating schemes.

“It important that the county council does more to support improved high street economies for towns such as Boroughbridge.”

Noel Evans, Independent

Noel Evans will be standing as an independent candidate in the division.

Mr Evans, who lives in Goldsborough, said he was standing after having “direct dealings” with Harrogate Borough Council over a planning matter.

He said:

“I put myself forward having seen, first-hand through direct dealings with the Council on a local planning matter, how council officials and councillors (of both parties) are entirely focussed on matters deemed ‘important’ for the council with total disregard for the residents of the area, who as council-taxpayers pay their wages and allowances and vote to keep them in office.

“The new North Yorkshire Council needs a new start with new people. And local decision making rather than influence from national political parties. We need independent councillors.”

However, Mr Evans added that he had would also be urging people to vote for Mr Starkey as two independents stand in the division.

He said he was doing this because the area needed “independent and local decisions made for the ward by a councillor living in the ward”.

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Spofforth with Lower Wharfedale and Tockwith division which will see three candidates standing for election.

Andrew Paraskos, Conservative

The Conservative candidate for the Spofforth with Lower Wharfedale and Tockwith division is Andrew Paraskos.

Mr Paraskos is currently the Spofforth With Lower Wharefdale councillor on Harrogate Borough Council. He also sits on North Yorkshire County Council.

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Paraskos for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.

A party spokesperson said:

“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.

“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.

“We are investing in the Hydro to provide more leisure facilities for local people.

“We need to continue the investment in our conference centre adapting it to the modern conference and exhibition industry. The centre underpins thousands of jobs across the district and brings in an estimated £29m to the local economy.”

Alexandra Marsh, Green Party

Alexandra Marsh is the Green Party candidate for the division on May 5.

Ms Marsh has lived in Cowthorpe for 35 years and runs an organic food business.

She is semi-retired and is currently responsible financial officer for Tockwith with Wilstop Parish Council. 

On why she is standing for North Yorkshire Council, Ms Marsh said:

“I want the new NY Council to better support our rural communities, particularly our most vulnerable residents and our hard-hit small businesses, whilst reducing North Yorkshire’s carbon footprint as a matter of urgency. 

“The Green Party is the only Party genuinely committed to safeguarding life on this very special planet.”

John Hall, Yorkshire Party

John Hall will be standing for the Yorkshire Party in the division on election day.

Mr Hall lives in Follifoot village near Harrogate and ran his own business for 30 years. 

Between work and family time, he also taught cycling proficiency in local schools.

Mr Hall believes that Yorkshire should have “proper, powerful devolution through a regional parliament” in order to tackle issues such as transport.

He said:

“I support green transport and more rail-links. North Yorkshire’s bid for £116 million to fund bus improvements has been denied by Westminster. We’ll keep getting nothing until Yorkshire has proper, powerful devolution through a regional parliament.

“We have the same population as Scotland, an economy 50% larger than Wales, yet the rights and funding of neither.

“Local agriculture needs support during these difficult times but, like so many of Yorkshire’s past industries, Westminster does nothing to help.”

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Bilton Grange and New Park division which will see four candidates standing for election.

Matt Scott, Conservative

Matt Scott will stand as the Conservative candidate for Bilton and New Park on May 5.

Mr Scott is a councillor on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, the latter of which he was elected to last year.

On his priorities and why he is standing, Mr Scott said:

“I am a lifelong Bilton resident and, along with the Green candidate, the only candidate who lives in the ward.

“I have been a district councillor since 2018 and represented all of Bilton Grange and part of New Park as county councillor since I won the Bilton and Nidd Gorge by-election last year.

“My priorities continue to be protecting our green spaces such as the Nidd Gorge and the Oak Beck. I am working with my colleague Paul Haslam to oppose development off Knox Lane while challenging Yorkshire Water on outflows into the Oak Beck near the Hydro.

“I also worked with Paul and Andrew Jones MP to oppose the Nidd Gorge relief road proposal.”

He added:

“I have a track record of getting things done such as securing CCTV for the Iron Bridge, getting durable bus shelter panels for Jennyfield to deter vandalism and getting the Cinder Path resurfaced in Bilton.”

Tamsin Jade Worrell, Green Party

The Green Party candidate for Bilton and New Park will be Tamsin Jade Worrall.

Ms Worrall, who is a trans-woman and lives in Bilton, works as a a railway signaller following 36 years as operations management within food manufacturing.

She joined the Green Party in 2018 and has had a lifelong interest in politics.

Ms Worrall said:

“I believe we are on the verge of a climate catastrophe exacerbated by the awful policies of all recent national governments.

“I believe in local business for local people, free education for all, social justice and personal accountability. The time has come to do politics differently and put people first.”

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

Andrew Zigmond, Labour

Andrew Zigmond will be the Labour candidate for the division on May 5.

Mr Zigmond said among his priorities should he be elected would be to tackle anti-social behaviour in Bilton.

He said:

“I am standing as a Labour party candidate for Bilton Grange and New Park because I believe we need councillors in place who will bring about fundamental change, rather than more of the same. 

“If I am elected I will work with the local police to ensure that antisocial behaviour is tackled robustly and that the safety of all residents is my priority. 

“At the same time Bilton used to have a thriving youth club and I pledge to get this reopened.”

Monika Slater, Liberal Democrat

Monika Slater will be standing for the Liberal Democrats at the election May 5.

Ms Slater has worked in customer services for 17 years and is a volunteer at her local scouts.

She said among her priorities for standing will be to campaign for a town council for Harrogate.

Ms Slater said:

“I’m delighted to have been selected as the Lib Dem Campaigner for our area. If elected I’m determined to stand up for local people. 

“With the Conservative Government in free-fall and an ineffective Conservative-run council, our area needs a fresh start and I’m determined to provide this.”

She added:

“We ned to do more to support the most disadvantaged in our community addressing issues such as loneliness and social isolation, improved access to public transport and schools need additional covid catch up funding for children and young adults who have missed so much education. I will be campaigning for a new Harrogate Town Council.”

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret will be previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Fairfax and Starbeck division which will see four candidates standing for election.

Sue Lumby, Conservative

Sue Lumby will be standing for the Conservative party in Fairfax and Starbeck division.

Ms Lumby is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and represents Harrogate Coppice Valley ward.

The Stray Ferret asked Ms Lumby for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.

A party spokesperson said:

“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.

“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.”

Gordon Schallmo, Green Party

The Green Party candidate for Fairfax and Starbeck is Gordon Schallmo.

Mr Schallmo has lived in Starbeck for the past 12 years and works as a draughtsman at a local steel construction firm.

He has been a member of the Green Party since 2015 and says his true passion is volunteering at his local nature reserve.

Mr Schallmo said he felt it was important to “do my bit” and look after the environment.

On why he is standing, he said:

“My main reason for standing is because I’d like to address the poor town planning that in recent years has seen money wasted on poorly thought-out schemes and rather than just complaining about it I thought I’d done something about it so here I am.”

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

Chris Watt, Labour

Chris Watt will be standing for the Labour Party in Fairfax and Starbeck division.

Mr Watt has lived in Starbeck for the last 13 years and currently works for the NHS.

He was previously parliamentary aide to a minister in the last Labour government and led government relations for an environmental organisation.

On why he standing, Mr Watt said:

“I’m proud of my area and want to give something back. I use our local shops, and facilities like Starbeck Baths, Fairfax Community Centre and Starbeck Library and want our area to be the best it can be.

“I want to continue to be a strong local champion for Fairfax and Starbeck, having led the campaign to re-open our local swimming pool and persuading the council to listen to residents and reject plans for more unsustainable housing that would increase traffic and worsen parking problems in our community.”

He added:

“On the doorstep, I’ve heard concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour and am already working in partnership with the police to tackle this blight on our area.

“Local businesses have also been badly hit by the pandemic and we are seeing too many empty premises on our high streets. Labour would push for support for local business.”

Philip Broadbank, Liberal Democrat

Philip Broadbank will be standing for North Yorkshire Council in the division for the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Broadbank is a councillor on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council representing Starbeck.

He has lived in the Starbeck and Knaresborough Road area for most of his life.

Mr Broadbank said on standing for North Yorkshire Council:

“I am keen to campaign for the establishment of a new Harrogate town Council once Harrogate Borough Council is no more. 

“Over the years I have been actively involved in many groups and organisations in the ward. 

“I want to see better opportunities for young people in the area and greater encouragement to get them involved in local activities.”

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate division which will see four candidates standing for election.

Michael Harrison, Conservative

The Conservative candidate for the division is Michael Harrison.

Mr Harrison currently sits on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council as a councillor.

He is also the executive member for adult services and health integration on the county council.

On why he is standing, Mr Harrison said:

“I am the only candidate who lives in the Killinghall, Hampsthwaite & Saltergate electoral division.

“I have represented the area for 20 years as a parish, borough and county councillor. I have a track record of working all year round, not just at election time and will help deliver the new council for North Yorkshire if given the opportunity on May 5.”

Bill Rigby, Green Party

Bill Rigby is the Green Party candidate for Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate division.

Mr Rigby lives in Knaresborough with his family and became the first Green Party mayor of the town in 2016.

He worked as a consultant and teacher in eduction and set up a university in East Africa.

He said he spent his working life “fixing” things and feels this experience will help him being a councillor.

Mr Rigby said:

“It has become apparent that our society needs ‘fixing’, but the problems run deep, so the mending process involves us all working together, in harmony, with an eye on a common goal. 

“I feel my experience is just right to help our district succeed in this endeavour. Old methods and ‘business as usual’ have led us in the wrong direction. 

“I am now convinced that Green values and principles offer the best route to a happier future, not only for ourselves but also for all our companions and fellow creatures.”

Edward Clayson, Labour

The Labour candidate for the division is Edward Clayson.

Mr Clayson is a mental health nurse in the NHS and has lived and worked in Harrogate for 30 years.

He is currently branch secretary for the Harrogate Labour Party and has been a member for the past decade.

Mr Clayson said, if elected, his aim would be to get a “fair and equitable” service from the council for all.

He said:

“I am passionate about the NHS and, in particular, trying to improve mental health services in the Harrogate district

“I have been involved in local campaigns, including the Save Nidd Gorge campaign and also have campaigned for a mental health services.

“If elected for North Yorkshire County Council, I will work in the best interests of all residents in this ward hoping to ensure a fair and equitable service from the council to all.”

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

David Goode, Liberal Democrat

David Goode is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the division on election day.

A Knaresborough resident for 30 years, Mr Goode is currently a councillor on North Yorkshire County Council and Knaresborough Town Council.

He is also a member of Knaresborough Connectors, Community Land Trust and Chair of Governors at Aspin Park Academy school.

During his working life, he worked as an IT consultant and sales and marketing specialist. He has since retired.

Mr Goode said, if elected, he would help establish stronger rural and urban communities.

He said:

“Through NYCC Locality Fund I have supported the establishment of a new youth group for 7-to-11-year olds, provided funding to set up community gardening projects, helped fund two defibrillators in the town and in partnership with Knaresborough Connectors helped fund laptops for school children during the pandemic. 

“The key to establishing stronger urban and rural communities is the provision of affordable public transport – subsidised – fairer integrated ticketing between bus companies and rail with integrated timetables between bus companies and rail.”

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be up for grabs in the district with most of the major parties contesting each one.

Today, we look at the Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale division which will see three candidates standing for election.

Stanley Lumley, Pateley Bridge

Stanley Lumley will be the Conservative candidate for Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale on May 5.

A lifelong resident of Nidderdale, Mr Lumley represents the area on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council.

He is also the cabinet member for culture, tourism and sport on the borough council.

Mr Lumley said:

“I am a life-long resident in Nidderdale and I am standing because I am passionate about the people and the place I live. 

“I am proud to represent my community and I hope to be able to continue serving all residents on the new North Yorkshire Council regardless of their political persuasion. 

“This is the most important election in local government for almost 50 years, the new council will need experienced and capable councillors to ensure equality for all and strong representation.”

Alison Harris, Yorkshire Party

Alison Harris is the candidate for the Yorkshire Party in Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale.

Ms Harris is a retired Harrogate resident who  formerly worked in further education and for Barnsley Education Welfare Service.

On why she is standing, she said:

“I want more affordable housing built, with support for social and council housing from a devolved Yorkshire authority.

“Transport needs an overhaul: train services across the Pennines and to the east need vast improvement and country bus services should be expanded. Making public transport attractive and cheaper would go a long way to creating better environmental conditions.

“I support efforts to lessen our carbon footprint, including greener homes and an educational focus on green technologies.”

Andrew Murday, Liberal Democrat

Andrew Murday will be standing for the Liberal Democrats at the election on May 5.

Mr Murday lives in Glasshouses and and worked as a heart surgeon for most of his professional life.

He has also been a member of Bewerley Parish Council for the last three years.

He said:

“Nidderdale is one of the most beautiful places in the country. But rural areas are not without real problems; transport, affordable housing, an ageing population and the rest.

“Both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council are run by a tired group of Conservatives who are beholden to a tired Conservative government. They have been there so long they now take our votes for granted.

“The change in the structure of local government now taking place in our region make these elections more important than ever. The time is ripe for new Liberal Democrat ideas based on the principals of liberty, equality and community and in which there is equal opportunity for all.”

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

Ahead of polling day on May 5, the Stray Ferret is previewing each of the divisions in the Harrogate district up for election to North Yorkshire Council.

A total of 21 seats will be contested in the district with most of the major parties standing in each one.

Today, we look at the Oatlands and Pannal division, where four candidates have put themselves forward.

John Mann, Conservative

John Mann is the Conservative candidate for Oatlands and Pannal division.

Mr Mann is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council, representing Harrogate Pannal ward.

He is also chair of the authority’s planning committee.

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Mann for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.

A party spokesperson said:

“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.

“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.”

Gillian Charters, Green Party

Gillian Charters is standing for the Green Party in Oatlands and Pannal division.

Ms Charters taught at a Knaresborough comprehensive school for 20 years before retraining as a probation officer.

She now works part-time for a Quaker special school in North Yorkshire.

For 30 years, she has been a member of the Green Party, which she says is the party that has “both the environment and social justice at its heart”.

Ms Charters said she was standing for North Yorkshire Council because she wants to “improve living conditions and the environment” within the area.

Margaret Smith, Labour

The Labour candidate for Oatlands and Pannal is Margaret Smith.

Ms Smith worked for several years at a further education college before setting up a business focused on the use of IT in communities and small to medium-sized enterprises.

She said the company employed up to 25 people and provided opportunities to people, particularly those with childcare responsibilities.

On why she is standing, Ms Smith said:

“Although not resident in the actual division, I live quite close and regularly walk through the Oatlands area, use its facilities and have conversations with people out and about.

“It is one of Labour’s many environmental policies which will have a major impact in the area. We intend to invest in reducing residential streets to safe environments where families can walk, cycle and play, e.g by stipulating a 20 mph speed limit in residential areas.”

She added:

“Pannal has for some years now suffered by being used as a “rat run” for drivers coming from new housing developments built in  areas of the town without appropriate infrastructure – something which must be stopped.

“Residents on the streets around the Leeds Road traffic lights in Oatlands are now experiencing the same problem with motorists trying to avoid the lights on the main road. These are narrow streets with an infant school located on one of them – Cromwell Road.”

Ms Smith added that she would also support a town council for Harrogate and devolution of powers to parish councils, such as Pannal and Burn Bridge Parish Council.

Read more:

• How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
• Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed

Justin Chan, Liberal Democrat

Justin Chan will be standing for the Liberal Democrats in the division on May 5.

Mr Chan is a lifelong Harrogate resident and currently works in retail as a customer services assistant.

He has a degree in politics and spent a year at Catania University in Sicily as part of an Erasmus exchange.

Mr Chan said he believes North Yorkshire Council should aim to create jobs, affordable and social housing and ease traffic congestion.

He said:

“It’s important to make local voices heard and to allow councillors strong decision-making powers to enable them to campaign for their local communities. 

“The new local authority should aim to create jobs, affordable and social housing and ease traffic congestion perhaps with a park-and-ride scheme. I will work to ensure Harrogate gets its own town council.”