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:
Election 2022: Harlow and St George’s candidate preview“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 Harlow and St George’s division, which will see five candidates standing for election.
Steven Jackson, Conservative
Steven Jackson is the Conservative candidate for the Harlow and St George’s division.
Mr Jackson is currently a councillor on Harrogate Borough Council and represents the Harrogate Saltergate ward.
He chairs the council’s audit and governance committee.
When asked why he was standing for North Yorkshire Council, Mr Jackson said:
“As an experienced councillor, I can demonstrate a track record of delivering for residents. Whether the issue is housing, development, traffic, crime or the local economy, I always fight for my constituents.
“Living in the ward myself, I have established strong relationships with local residents and community groups, and I am passionate about ensuring our local area is the best it can be.”
He added:
“Outside politics I work to regenerate brownfield land, and I believe that the skills I have developed can be used working on a key issue in our area – ensuring that we have sustainable, environmentally friendly, infrastructure led development, which protects what makes our town a great place to live. I promise to scrutinise any development in our area and ensure that local people’s views are heard.
“If elected, I promise to continue working all year round and to support all residents, irrespective of political allegiance.”
Andrew Rickard, Green Party
The Green Party candidate for the division is Andrew Rickard.
Mr Rickard has lived in Harrogate for 15 years and in the Harlow and St George’s area for the last decade.
He currently runs a consultancy business providing financial advice to businesses and was recently the chair of Harrogate and District Round Table. He is also chair of the Harrogate Green Party and is a scout and rugby coach.
On why he is standing, Mr Rickard said:
“I’m standing in this election because of the frustration of seeing the growing disconnect between the common sense views of local residents and the divisive direction and decision making of those apparently in control.
“I will use my extensive experience of managing and chairing businesses and community groups to reverse the flow of power – local government decision making must reflect the views of the local people it represents.”
He added:
“I believe I will make a good councillor because of my business experience, my community engagement and my local knowledge and connections through raising a family here.”
Sarah Hart, Independent
Sarah Hart will be standing as an independent candidate for Harlow and St George’s division.
A business owner and resident in the division area, Ms Hart said she and the other independent candidates wanted to make a difference on the new authority.
Speaking in a personal capacity, she said she felt there was a “lack of transparency” in local politics and wanted to “facilitate genuine community engagement with local groups, businesses and residents”.
Among her priorities would be to fix roads and pavements, stop the Otley Road cycle path, promote existing cycle routes and protect community green spaces.
She said:
“I will push for a circular economy, and support shop local, which will benefit our local economy.
“I recognise we are a tourist town, but for too long it seems tourists have been a priority over the residents and businesses, this needs to change.
“I recognise the lack of secure affordable homes for local people and co-founded Harrogate Community Land Trust to address this problem, which is a not-for-profit, community led organisation. I also volunteer at Resurrected Bites, a fantastic charity that is helping families with the cost of living crisis and stopping food waste going to landfill.”
She added that she would also push for a review of the Harrogate district Local Plan 2014-35, recognise the climate emergency and work with schools to ease congestion.
John Adams, Labour
John Adams is standing for the Labour Party in the Harlow and St George’s division.
Mr Adams is a retired university professor and has lived in Harrogate for the last 17 years.
His grandfather was Labour MP for South Hammersmith, William Adams.
Mr Adams has been a lifelong member of the party and says he is committed to “reducing inequality”.
He said:
“I have a commitment to reducing inequality in UK, which has deepened so much in the last decade. My professional expertise is in economics.
“At present I am treasurer of a national charity, have chaired another, and have an MBE for services to education.”
Mr Adams added:
“Our area is relatively prosperous, compared to much of the country, but there are major issues about social housing and transport and the need for career opportunities — not just ‘jobs’ — for young people.”
Michael Schofield, Liberal Democrat
The Liberal Democrat candidate for Harlow and St George’s is Michal Schofield.
Mr Schofield was born in Harrogate and has lived in Harlow Hill on-and-off since 1982.
He is currently the landlord of the Shepherd’s Dog pub on Otley Road, which he runs with his wife Donna.
He has acted the role of the Dame in Rossett School pantomimes for the last couple of years.
Mr Schofield said he felt it was important to help local schools.
He said:
Election 2022: Wathvale and Bishop Monkton candidate preview“I believe it is important to see improved funding for schools.
“In addition, as local businesses continue to struggle it’s important to grow the buy local campaign so everyone is contributing to a much stronger local economy.”
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 Wathvale and Bishop Monkton division which will see three candidates standing for election.
Nick Brown, Conservative
Nick Brown will be standing as the Conservative candidate for Wathvale and Bishop Monkton division on May 5.
Mr Brown is currently the Bishop Monkton and Newby ward councillor on Harrogate Borough Council, which he has served for the past 14 years.
He said his priorities for the North Yorkshire Council would be to help oversee the transition to the new council and help further “democracy, openness, cost savings and efficiency”.
Mr Brown said:
“I have served the community in this role for the past 14 years, working hard for all residents, regardless of their political persuasion, and with every ward parish council in the area.
“I have often spoken out on behalf of residents and their local issues, representing them vigorously regarding matters of interest to his electorate.”
Mr Brown added that he wanted to campaign for a “better deal” for rural areas from the new unitary council.
Hannah Corlett, Green Party
Hannah Corlett will be standing for the Green Party in the division on polling day.
Ms Corlett has lived in the village of Melmerby for the last five years and is a communications officer at Leeds and York Partnership Foundation Trust.
She joined the Green Party two years ago, which she has described as a “turning point” in her life.
Ms Corlett said she wants to see a “change in direction that people lead”, which she believes can be achieved from “the ground up”.
She said:
“When I joined the Green Party in 2020, it was part of a turning point in my life. I got involved with their activism straight away, fighting Harrogate Spring Waters expansion into Rotary Wood, public woodland.
“Opening my eyes to the damage that is happening to our planet and the part we play in it, in the UK, driven by poor ideological policies. I want to see a change in direction that people lead, and I believe we can do this from the ground up with grassroots activism.”
Christopher Knight, Liberal Democrat
The Liberal Democrat candidate for the Wathvale and Bishop Monkton division will be Christopher Knight.
Mr Knight moved to the Yorkshire Dales in 2013 and is a semi-retired business consultant.
He said he is a believer in strong representation and “collaborative politics”.
Mr Knight said:
“I joined the Liberal Democrats in 2016 and I became active in the General Election campaign of 2019, supporting our Parliamentary Candidate Andrew Murday.
“I am a semi-retired business consultant who has lived and worked in several countries, and I speak French, German and some Italian. I am a passionate believer in strong local representation as well as collaborative politics at a regional, national and international level.”
Read more:
- How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
A separate by-election for the Wathvale ward on Harrogate Borough Council will also be held on May 5.
The election will see a new councillor elected to represent the ward on the borough council.
You can read more on the candidates here.
Election 2022: Coppice Valley and Duchy candidate previewAhead 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 Coppice Valley and Duchy division which will see five candidates standing for election.
Graham Swift, Conservative
Graham Swift will be standing as the Conservative candidate for the Coppice Valley and Duchy division on North Yorkshire Council.
Mr Swift sits on Harrogate Borough Council and is the deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, enterprise and economic development on the authority.
He currently represents the Harrogate Duchy ward on the borough council, to which he was elected in 2018.
Mr Swift moved to Harrogate in 2010 after spending most of his working life living and working abroad for a large food company.
Mr Swift, who is the only candidate who lives in Coppice Valley and Duchy division, said:
“I have a proven and long track record of correspondence with and action for residents and I don’t just turn up at elections.
“Actions include improving public space, liaising with police to reduce crime and supporting residents in getting better services. I am already an established district councillor and the future unitary council will strengthen my ability to support residents on a much wider range of issues.”
Leighton Regayre, Green Party
Leighton Regayre is set to stand for the Green Party in Coppice Valley and Duchy ward.
Mr Regayre is a climate science researcher at the University of Leeds and has lived in North Yorkshire for more than 20 years.
He said he was standing because he wants to tackle the climate emergency and cost of living crisis.
He said:
“We subsidise hugely profitable fossil fuel companies rather than taxing them fairly. Yet, a Green New Deal offers a huge economic opportunity.
“With a Green New Deal, we could put people to work insulating our nation’s homes and investing in future renewable technologies.
“The Green Party is committed to making these things happen. Yorkshire has an important role in any progressive future vision for the UK.
“I want to help Yorkshire lead the implementation of a Green New Deal that brings near-term prosperity to our region and long-term security to our nation and planet.”
Daniel Thompson, Independent
Daniel Thompson is standing as an independent candidate in the division on May 5.
Born and raised in Harrogate, Mr Thompson said he wanted to “bring new energy and ideas to the table” which would be “unconstrained by a political party”.
He said:
“During this campaign I could talk about potholes and dog poo but we have to tackle the elephant in the room, housing.
“The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have signed away our green fields to national developers with a town plan that was never fit for purpose.
“They talk of sustainable homes but where are the locally sourced building materials; solar panels, electric charging points; cycle lanes? Where are the new schools; new doctors surgeries, new dentists? Where is the funding for greater capacity in our NHS A&E?”
Mr Thompson, who also runs a business in the town, added that he would be “fighting for an immediate halt and reversal to all multi home planning approvals”.
“In truth, we need to be ambitious, proposing a new settlement near to road and rail links, surrounded by new woodland and benchmarked by the highest standard of sustainable construction.”
Patricia Foxall, Labour
The Labour Party candidate for Coppice Valley and Duchy will be Patricia Foxall.
Ms Foxall has lived in in Harrogate for more than 40 years and brought her children up in the town.
She spent most of her working life in local government, but has since retired. Ms Foxall said she would fight to reverse cuts to council grants.
Ms Foxall added that she would also make housing one of her priorities.
She said:
“The council have finally produced a housing plan.
“However, it fails to address the desperate need for affordable housing and the need for local services to keep pace with development. That said, I am in favour of all parts of the district taking a share of new housing.”
Read more:
- How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
Peter Lacey, Liberal Democrat
Peter Lacey will be standing for the Liberal Democrats in the division on May 5.
Mr Lacey runs a strategic consulting business in the health and care sector and is also the executive committee member of Knaresborough’s Chamber of Trade and a director of the Community Land Trust.
He said he believes strongly in “the need to devolve more decision making to local communities”.
Mr Lacey said:
“Building community engagement and doing more to support neighbours is important to developing stronger local communities.”
Mr Lacey, who is a local methodist, is also chair of Knaresborough Connectors, a community development organisation that has grown out of the covid response working with the county council’s Stronger Communities department.
He added:
“I will work to see a clear, locally owned and deliverable strategic plan developed for the town that embraces all elements from tourism to manufacturing, which are key to bringing high quality, well paid jobs to our area.”
Election hustings
The Stray Ferret is hosting an election hustings at the Wesley Centre on Tuesday, April 26, at the Wesley Centre in Harrogate.
The event is a chance for you to ask your local election candidates who will be standing in divisions in Harrogate the questions that matter to you.
For more information and to book your free ticket for the evening, visit our Eventbrite page.
Wathvale by-election: Candidates set out pledgesPeople in the Wathvale ward near Ripon are set to head to the polls on 5 May to elect a new Harrogate borough councillor.
The vote follows the resignation of Conservative councillor Bernard Bateman who held the seat since 2016.
The by-election to the borough council is separate from the elections to the new North Yorkshire Council.
These are the three candidates, listed alphabetically, who are standing to replace him:
Hannah Corlett, Green Party
Hannah Corlett lives in the village of Melmebry and works as a communications officer for the Leeds and York Partnership Foundation Trust.
She joined the Green Party in 2020 in what she described as a “turning point” in her life.
She said:
“I got involved with their activism straight away, fighting Harrogate Spring Water’s expansion into Rotary Wood. It opened my eyes to the damage to our planet and the part we play in it, driven by poor ideological policies in the UK and globally.
“I want to see a change in direction that people lead, and I believe we can do this from the ground up with grassroots activism.
“If chosen as an elected representative on Harrogate District Council, even for one year, I will push to make sure funding and support goes to where it’s needed.
“I will also ensure decisions consider the environmental impact and the lives of those who live in this area.
“I am passionate about making positive shifts to protect the natural environment and supporting others in this fight. I desire to see changes, and I hope those who want the same will choose Green.”
Sam Green, Conservatives
Sam Green is a former Harrogate Grammar School student who owns a financial and real estate company in the town.
He said:
“My ambition to be a councillor is not for money, status, or benefits. It simply stems from my desire to help people in whatever way I can to achieve their ambitions, be successful and to hopefully make the world a better place.
“While still a young man (26) and recently married to my wife Maya, I feel that I bring a fresh perspective and energy, balanced by the traditional values I was raised and instilled with, together with proven entrepreneurial skills and people experience.
“As an industrious individual with a proven track record of success in the private sector, my promise to the electorate in Wathvale is simple.
“Local elections are about local issues and if elected, I will serve to the best of my ability to achieve the best possible services and value for money from our council.
“Whilst I will proudly serve as a councillor for all, it will also be my mission to encourage engagement by younger voters and to help address fundamental issues affecting our future generations, such as affordable housing.”
Chris Knight, Liberal Democrats
Chris Knight is a semi-retired business consultant. He joined the Liberal Democrats in 2016 and supported the party’s Skipton and Ripon parliamentary candidate, Andrew Murday, during the 2019 General Election.
Mr Knight said he is a “passionate believer in strong local representation, as well as collaborative politics at a regional, national and international level.”
Read more:
- Candidates revealed for Harrogate council by-election
- Unison Harrogate canvasses election candidates over ‘shameful’ council pay
- Calls for action over stark gender imbalance of election candidates
He also said the sale of Ripon Spa Baths and the troubled construction of the city’s new swimming pool are two examples of why change is needed in local government.
He said:
“Ripon’s new swimming pool finally opened last month after repeated delays and some £4 million over budget.
“The council has been warned repeatedly that the area has active ground instability, but went ahead with the development anyway.
“But the whole story gets worse. Harrogate Borough Council have announced that the listed building containing the old pool is going up for sale.
“After getting the old pool onto the community asset register, the independents on Ripon City Council then sat on their hands for the next six months whilst there was a moratorium on the sale.
“Despite their bluster, they failed to come up with a plan which could have retained the building for the benefit of Ripon residents.
“So, thanks to a combination of Ripon Independents and Conservative councillors, a golden opportunity to enhance our lives has been wasted.”
The Wathvale ward vote will take place on the same day as elections to the new North Yorkshire Council on 5 May.
The successful by-election candidate will serve one year on Harrogate Borough Council before the authority – along with North Yorkshire County Council and the other six district councils – are scrapped and replaced by the new council in April 2023.
Green Party’s Hannah Corlett and Liberal Democrat Chris Knight are also standing for the Wathvale and Bishop Monkton division on the new council.
The deadline to register to vote has passed and those on the electoral register should have received a polling card or letter during the last two weeks in March.
Polling stations will open from 7am to 10pm on election day.
Those who are unable to vote in person can apply to vote by post or proxy.
Harrogate election hustings: three parties confirmed alreadyThree parties have confirmed candidates already for the Stray Ferret election hustings in Harrogate.
The hustings will be held at the Wesley Centre, Oxford Street, on Tuesday, April 26, from 7pm until 9pm and is free for people to attend.
It will give local residents the chance to quiz candidates ahead of local elections on May 5.
The elections will be the last before North Yorkshire Council replaces North Yorkshire County Council and seven district councils, including Harrogate Borough Council.
The hustings was announced yesterday and so far Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Independents have said they will send representatives to take questions.
The event will focus on the future of Harrogate.
The candidates confirmed so far are:
- Chris Watt, Labour, Fairfax and Starbeck
- Philip Broadbank, Liberal Democrats, Fairfax and Starbeck
- Sarah Hart, Independent, Harlow and St Georges’
The Green Party has also indicated it will be sending a candidate — the Conservatives have yet to respond.
Read more:
- Government chooses single super authority to replace Harrogate council
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
- Harrogate Election Hustings: your chance to quiz the candidates
You can book your free ticket here.
If you would like to submit a question to the candidates, send it to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk with the subject heading ‘hustings question’.
We will also invite questions on the night from the audience.
Harrogate Election Hustings: your chance to quiz the candidatesThe Stray Ferret is hosting an election hustings in Harrogate ahead of a crucial polling day for the town.
In what will prove to be the biggest change in local government in North Yorkshire since the 1970s, this is your chance to grill candidates standing in Harrogate on the future of the town.
The elections on May 5 will be the last before North Yorkshire Council replaces Harrogate Borough Council and the six districts.
It will leave Harrogate without a town council and raises questions over the future of the town itself.
Those attending the hustings will be standing for the new council and will answer questions on behalf of their party locally.
This is your chance to put questions to candidates on the issues that matter to you, whether that be housing, highways or the local economy.
Read more:
- Government chooses single super authority to replace Harrogate council
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
The Stray Ferret Hustings:
The hustings will be held at the Wesley Centre, Oxford Street, on Tuesday, April 26, from 7pm until 9pm and will be free for the public to attend.
All parties including Labour, Conservative, the Liberal Democrats, Green Party and the independents have been invited to attend the event.
Four out of five of the parties have indicated their intention to take part – the Conservatives have yet to respond to the invitation.
Confirmation of the candidates attending the hustings will be made closer to the date.
If you would like to submit a question to put to the candidates, send it to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk with the subject heading “hustings question”. We will also take on the night from the audience.
To book a tickets for the hustings click here.
Candidates revealed for Harrogate council by-electionThree candidates have been revealed for a by-election on Harrogate Borough Council.
Green Party’s Hannah Katherine Gargett Corlett, Conservative Sam Green and Liberal Democrat Chris Knight will compete for the Wathvale ward seat, which is vacant following the resignation of Conservative councillor Bernard Bateman.
Voting will take place on Thursday, May 5 – the same day as elections to the new North Yorkshire Council.
The successful candidate will sit on Harrogate Borough Council for just under a year before the authority is scrapped and replaced by the new North Yorkshire Council in April 2023.
Read more:
- No deals expected between Harrogate district opposition parties ahead of election
- Council chiefs promise ‘seamless transition’ to new North Yorkshire Council
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
As well as competing in the borough council by-election, the Green Party’s Hannah Corlett and Liberal Democrat Chris Knight are also standing for the Wathvale and Bishop Monkton division on the new council.
They were named in a list of 77 candidates competing for 21 seats which will represent the Harrogate district on the new council.
The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Labour Party, Green Party and Yorkshire Party have all fielded candidates for the election. There are also 10 independents in the mix.
The deadline to register to vote for both elections is April 14 – and those who are already on the electoral register should have received a polling card or letter during the last two weeks in March.
Polling stations will open from 7am to 10pm on election day.
Those who are unable to vote in person can apply to vote by post or proxy.
No deals expected between Harrogate district opposition parties ahead of electionNo pacts are expected to be made between opposition parties in the Harrogate district ahead of the May local elections.
Voters will head to the polls in just under six weeks time to elect councillors to the new North Yorkshire Council.
Harrogate and Knaresborough Green Party said it had reached out to both the Liberal Democrats and Labour to discuss a deal to unseat the Conservatives.
However, the Stray Ferret understands that no agreement has been made and that the Lib Dems and Labour are expected to field a candidate in every ward.
Shan Oakes, of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Green Party, said the party had invited opposition groups to come up with a deal.
She said:
“We have invited Labour and the Lib Dems to talk to us.
“Between us, we hope we can get somewhere.”
(Left) Chris Watt, acting chair of Harrogate and Knaresborough Labour Party and Shan Oakes, Harrogate and Knaresborough Green Party.
It follows the Green Party and Liberal Democrats striking a deal in July 2021 when the Greens stood down a candidate and called on supporters to vote for the Lib Dems in the Knaresbroough Scriven Park by-election.
‘We do not agree to any deals’
However, Chris Watt, acting chair of the Harrogate and Knaresborough Labour Party, said the party will be standing a candidate in every ward on May 5.
He said:
“We do not agree to any deals.
“We will be putting forward our case on the doorstep.”
Mr Watt added that the party will be campaigning on housing, public transport and working with police to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Some of the new North Yorkshire Council ward boundaries in Harrogate and Knaresborough. Picture: NYCC.
Meanwhile, Philip Broadbank, who currently represents the Liberal Democrats on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council, said it was up to individual candidates to make their case.
He said:
“All we can do is get around as much as we can and get the issues raised.
“We have all got to get out there and press our case.”
The Lib Dems are also expected to field a candidate in every seat with a campaign focus on housing, green policies and transport.
Conservatives hoping to hold onto power
Meanwhile, local Conservatives are hoping to increase their share of councillors at the upcoming elections.
Harrogate and Knaresborough Conservatives currently hold power on Harrogate Borough Council with 28 seats and hold 14 on North Yorkshire County Council – which is also in overall Tory control.
Read more:
- Ed Balls discusses politics and stammering during Harrogate school visit
- New North Yorkshire Council chief executive planned for autumn
- Speculation mounts over Harrogate independent candidates after website set up
Nick Brown, who is a Conservative councillor on the borough council representing Bishop Monkton, said the party was confident ahead of polling day.
“We are very positive and well prepared
“On the doorstep we’ve been explaining what the new authority is going to be about. It is going to be more efficient and it is going to save money.”
Local Conservatives have agreed their list of candidates, which will be published along with other parties on April 6.
Register to vote deadline
A total of 13 councillors will be elected in Harrogate and Knaresborough to the new authority, with an average of 6,194 people to each representative. A further seven will be elected across Ripon, Pateley Bridge, Masham and Boroughbridge.
Those wishing to vote in the upcoming election have until April 14 to register to vote. You can register here.
Meanwhile, events will be held online for residents across Harrogate and Knaresborough to learn more about the upcoming unitary council.
People will be given the opportunity to ask a panel of senior council officials about the changes and what it means for them.
Wallace Sampson, chief executive of Harrogate Borough Council, and Neil Irving, from North Yorkshire County Council, will appear on the panel at the event on April 12. You can find more information on how to attend here.
‘No agreement’ on Greens and Lib Dem alliance at next electionsNo agreement is in place for Green Party candidates to step aside for the Liberal Democrats in Harrogate district elections in 2022, say local party officials.
However, officials in the Harrogate and District Green Party say they will consider talks ahead of next May.
The party recently agreed with the Liberal Democrats to not stand a candidate in the Knaresborough Scriven Park by-election in an effort to unseat the Conservatives.
As a result, Lib Dem candidate Hannah Gostlow won the seat by 251 votes.
But, Tamsin Worrall, election campaign manager for the Harrogate and District Green Party, said the party had no agreement beyond next year.
She said:
“I must stress there is no agreement for 2022 or 2023. However, I am sure we will be talking about it.
“Whether or not we come to an agreement is another thing.”
Ms Worrall said the recent decision to stand down a candidate was reached after both parties found broad agreement on issues such as the environment.
She said the Greens and Liberal Democrats also agreed that the current voting system, first-past-the-post, did not work for them and gave the Conservatives an advantage.
The party said voters would be “better served” under a new system. However, in the meantime, the Greens may continue to use campaign tactics such as working with other parties to target seats.
Future talks
The seismic decision to scrap North Yorkshire County Council and the seven districts will mean elections to a new unitary authority next year.
It also means that boundaries for council wards will be redrawn and raises questions over whether the alliance between the Greens and Liberal Democrats may continue under the new authority.
Read more:
- Liberal Democrats win Knaresborough ward by-election
- Conservatives and Labour ‘disappointed’ after Knaresborough by-election defeat
- What will one super council for North Yorkshire look like?
Cllr David Goode, Liberal Democrat county councillor for Knaresborough, said the outcome in the Knaresborough Scriven Park by-election, which also included a Lib Dem elected to the town council, could not have been done without the cooperation between the two parties.
He said:
“The Liberal Democrat success in getting two councillors elected in the Knaresborough Scriven Park by-election was in part due to the help and support of the Green Party in not fielding a candidate.
“Clearly not splitting the opposition vote can make a difference particularly where the result of a hard fought campaign is likely to give a very close result.”
However, despite the result, the Green Party stood a candidate in the county council by-election for the Bilton and Nidd Gorge ward in May.
The election saw Conservative candidate Cllr Matt Scott win the seat.
Ms Worrall said the party could have stood down, but the turnaround for the by-election was too short and negotiations would not have been completed in time.
However, she said the elections in May 2022 and the new authority for North Yorkshire may open up another opportunity for cooperation.
“I would expect that we will talk at some point.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Goode said greater ties were also needed on a national level to help the parties in a future election.
He said:
“With regards to any future joint cooperation pacts locally between Lib Dems and Green there is still further discussions needed to see if common ground can be identified.
“This process would be greatly helped if there was improved national cross party links leading to some form of agreement between our parties.”