Selby and Ainsty by-election candidates have their say – Part 5

This article is the fifth of a series of six.

Voters across parts of the district will be heading to the polls on Thursday (July 20), when Selby and Ainsty holds a by-election triggered by the dramatic resignation last month of MP Nigel Adams. 

Most of the Selby and Ainsty constituency lies beyond our district’s borders – it stretches almost as far as Goole and Doncaster – but its northern end does encompass Huby, Follifoot, Spofforth and some of the villages in the Vale of York, such as Tockwith, Green Hammerton and Long Marston. 

There’s a broad field to choose from – there are 13 candidates – but who are they, and what do they believe? 

In the lead-up to the by-election, we’re spotlighting two or three each day, giving constituents the opportunity to read about the people who wish to represent them at Westminster – in their own words. 

So far, we’ve featured Andrew Gray (independent), Claire Holmes (Conservative), Mike Jordan (Yorkshire Party), Dave Kent (Reform UK), Keir Mather (Labour), Nick Palmer (independent), Guy Phoenix (Heritage Party), Sir Archibald Stanton (Official Monster Raving Loony Party), and Matt Walker (Liberal Democrats).

Continuing to take their surnames in alphabetical order, today’s candidates are Arnold Warneken of the Green Party, and John Waterston of the Social Democratic Party.

Tomorrow: Luke Wellock (Climate Party), and Tyler Callum Wilson-Kerr (independent).

Arnold Warneken, Green Party 

A progressive, left-wing environmentalist party that has been campaigning for environmental approach to legislation since it was founded in 1990. 

“I’ve lived and worked in the Ainsty area for nearly 40 years. Back in the 1990s I was branded ‘Harrogate council’s conscience’ by the then chief executive. I still have a reputation for getting things done, and I work hard for residents all year round, not just at election time. 

“I currently sit on Selby planning committee, Ainsty drainage board, and North Yorkshire Moors National Park Authority, so I have considerable experience of decision-making in local government. 

“I am already campaigning on 20’s Plenty to cut speed limits, and on river quality at North Yorkshire Council. 

“I am free to speak up in Westminster for this constituency, because I’m not told how to vote by Green Party bosses. 

“But being a candidate for a small party does not mean that I am a lone force. I lead a skilled team with wide expertise, and I could not be an effective MP without this team. 

“If you are usually a Labour vote, by voting Green you are telling Labour to put proportional representation in their manifesto, re-instate their green funding, and cancel new oil. 

“If you are usually a Conservative voter, by voting Green you are telling the Tories to allow onshore wind, fund the NHS, and stop dumping sewage. 

“The Green Party already has a well-respected MP, two members of the House of Lords, over 750 elected councillors, and four local parish/town councillors. 

“Greens have solutions which marry environmental and social justice, enabling lower energy bills AND saving the planet, by investment in renewables and home insulation. We believe in universal basic income, renationalising public utilities, a minimum wage of £15/hour, and ending NHS privatisation. 

“Drax must move from ‘burning stuff’ to become a genuinely renewable energy supplier, with long-term employment prospects. Drax’s current subsidy of £1.7m/day could power a resilient carbon-neutral future. 

“Farming payments need switching to nature-friendly systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, encourage wildlife, and end factory farming. 

“Voting Labour or Conservative won’t change this government yet, but another Green MP will make a huge difference in Parliament, so please give me that opportunity.”

John Waterston, Social Democratic Party 

A Eurosceptic, socially conservative party that espouses centre-left economic policy and supports a social market economy. 

“I have lived here for 31 years and raised two children alongside my wife, Ruth, and we have both worked in the area all of that time.

“I believe the role of a constituency MP is exactly that – a representative for constituents and an influencer on their behalf. 

“Crime and Justice: I want to help address the inefficiencies in local policing who deal with public nuisance and anti-social behaviour. I live in the centre of Selby and witness how it strangles the activity and economic success of the town.

“Youth: There is very little to interest, stimulate or engage them. I grew up in a community that had similar challenges and have a range of ideas that could meet this challenge, which directly links with the public nuisance concerns.

“Transport: The bus services post-lockdown have essentially collapsed, from a position that was already inadequate.

“Communities are left with one or two routes per week, restricting movement to daytime hours. It restricts the economy, and crucially, employment opportunities are lost, because without a car, it is impossible to get to work for most shifts. I want to address this urgently.

“Failure to support our economy: There has been no effort and no imagination in how to stimulate a new economy for the 21st century. Tourism could be a key asset. Making connections in Asia and elsewhere, if coordinated with more quality hotel accommodation, would pay great dividends. 

“We are a hub for the boating community and that needs to be supported and encouraged. We are geographically blessed by way of transport links to Manchester, Edinburgh and London, all within two hours. The A1(M) is 10 minutes away, providing access to the M62 and the M18. We are the gateway to the North Yorkshire coast. It is a tremendous place to set up a business or set up a home, as I discovered 31 years ago, and the people here deserve better support than they are getting.

“This is why the people of Selby and Ainsty should vote for me.”

 

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Local by-election candidates accuse BBC of bias

The three Independent candidates in this week’s Selby and Ainsty by-election have accused the BBC of bias.

Harrogate-based Andrew Gray, Tyler Wilson-Kerr and Nick Palmer issued a joint statement last night claiming they had been marginalised by the broadcaster.

The statement said:

“Absence of the Independent candidates from BBC coverage gives the electorate the impression that they are not able to win; that they are not working hard.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. The mood of the constituency is one of change. Most people we speak to do not align with any political party.”

Opinion polls suggest the by-election is a two-way fight between the Conservatives and Labour.

Betting company OddsChecker has Labour 1/7 to win, with the Conservatives at 11-2 and the Liberal Democrats at 100-1.

Conservative Nigel Adams, who won the seat in 2019 with a 20,137 majority in 2019, triggered the by-election when he resigned last month. It is one of three by-elections being contested on Thursday.

If Labour wins, it will be the biggest ever overturn of a Conservative majority. The party is expected to send several front bench heavyweights to the constituency this week as part of a final push.

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Thirteen candidates are standing in Thursday’s ballot.

The joint statement highlight how Independents came third at last year’s  local elections in Selby and adds:

“With so many candidates, the likely margin of victory is likely to be small. The State Broadcaster’s position could sway this election.

“Tyler, Nick and Andrew all bring valuable experience to this election. The habit of mainstream media to treat elections as a largely binary choice is both insulting to Yorkshire voters and damaging to democracy.”

Selby and Ainsty by-election candidates have their say – Part 3

This article is the third of a series of six.

Voters across parts of the district will be heading to the polls next Thursday (July 20), when Selby and Ainsty holds a by-election triggered by the dramatic resignation last month of MP Nigel Adams. 

Most of the Selby and Ainsty constituency lies beyond our district’s borders – it stretches almost as far as Goole and Doncaster – but its northern end does encompass Huby, Follifoot, Spofforth and some of the villages in the Vale of York, such as Tockwith, Green Hammerton and Long Marston. 

There’s a broad field to choose from – there are 13 candidates – but who are they, and what do they believe? 

In the lead-up to the by-election, we’re spotlighting two or three each day, giving constituents the opportunity to read about the people who wish to represent them at Westminster – in their own words. 

So far, we’ve featured independent Andrew Gray, Claire Holmes of the Conservative Party, Mike Jordan of the Yorkshire Party and Dave Kent of Reform UK.

Continuing to take their surnames in alphabetical order, today’s candidates are Keir Mather of the Labour Party, independent Nick Palmer, and Guy Phoenix of the Heritage Party. 

Tomorrow: Sir Archibald Stanton (Official Monster Raving Loony Party), and Matt Walker (Liberal Democrats).

Keir Mather, Labour Party

Keir Mather was born in Hull and grew up near Selby before going to Oxford University. Keir has most recently worked at the CBI (Confederation of British Industry). His candidacy was supported by the GMB and Unison. 

“I’m standing to be Selby and Ainsty’s MP because this brilliant place has been let down for too long. We are facing the biggest hit to living standards in a generation. Mortgages, food and fuel prices are all soaring. Our public services are broken. Meanwhile the Conservative Government is too distracted by its own infighting and chaos to deliver, and the MP for Selby and Ainsty abandoned the people he was elected to serve, all because he didn’t get a peerage. 

“I have been having thousands of conversations on the doorstep, hearing directly about what matters most to our local communities. These conversations shaped my plan for Selby and Ainsty, which starts with supporting residents through the cost-of-living crisis, with our Warm Homes Plan to bring down energy bills by £1,400 and financial support surgeries across the constituency to provide vital support immediately in the crisis. 

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and in their communities, but in North Yorkshire theft is up 14% in the last year, and knife crime is now nearly twice as high as it was in 2010. Where the Conservatives have cut police on the streets, Labour will restore neighbourhood policing with 13,000 new neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs. 

“My plan will also see us restore frequent and reliable public transport, protection from flooding and sewage dumping, and ensure our NHS services are built for the future. It’s time for a fresh start in Selby and Ainsty. If you’ve felt taken for granted or let down, I urge you to put your faith in me on July 20.” 

Nick Palmer, Independent 

One of the few candidates to live in the constituency, Nick Palmer has an MBA from Vlerick Business School in Belgium and is managing director of Bizenko, a social enterprise that aims to bridge the gap between the worlds of education and employment. 

“How many voters feel politically ‘homeless’ in the United Kingdom? I doubt anybody knows the true scale of this problem. But we should. I pledge to find out. 

“Voters hate broken promises and tribal squabbling from the different political parties. It makes them feel angry and frustrated. When voters are angry and frustrated, it becomes a problem for society. I’m standing as a candidate to give frustrated voters a meaningful option on Thursday, July 20. 

“Despite being a Westminster election, the Selby and Ainsty by-election will have zero impact at Westminster. Frustrating, isn’t it?! 

“The day after this by-election, Rishi will still be the Conservative Prime Minister, with a healthy majority in Parliament. Sir Keir will still be the Labour leader of the Opposition. 

“Many voters tell me that they can’t stand one party, and can’t trust the other. They feel they have to vote for a ‘big’ party in order to deny their enemy ‘sneaking in’. But that won’t mean anything here. The Westminster situation is already determined. There will be no change. 

“Tactical voting to block either main party, even in desperation, is a missed opportunity. We can make our vote more meaningful!  

“Typically, challenger parties cannot ‘win’ their argument and implement their by-election plans unless they win a general election. Until then, we have the Conservatives. 

“Traditionally, only two parties can win a general election. Which fuels the toxic culture that depresses so many voters. Therefore, this by-election is a ‘free hit’ to send a protest vote. As long as the protest vote doesn’t need a general election victory to come true, then we can make our vote meaningful. 

“Let that message be ‘#DoBetter, Westminster! We want better politics, and until you improve your culture, we choose an independent MP!’

“For floating voters, the most meaningful vote here is for an independent candidate who is not trying to win a general election. A candidate with a skillset for identifying failed systems, processes and cultures. Someone who can highlight the change needed to restore trust in politics.  

“In this by-election, that means a vote for Nick Palmer.”

Guy Phoenix, Heritage Party 

Guy Phoenix is owner and managing director of Ripon-based IT support firm Fresh Mango Technologies, which has two other offices in Yorkshire and provides an out-of-hours service from a team based in the British Virgin Islands. The Heritage Party is a Eurosceptic, right-wing populist and socially conservative party founded in 2020. 

“I am a local businessman with offices in Ripon, Leeds and Skipton, employing 23 people. I have been canvassing door-to-door across the constituency and I’m hearing the same comments from people – we want change. 

“So, I ask them if they want real change, and when they say yes then my response is simple. The only way to get that change is to discard the old parties and vote for a new, socially conservative and principled party. That’s the Heritage Party.”

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Selby and Ainsty by-election candidates have their say – Part 1

This article is the first of a series of six.

Voters across parts of the Harrogate district will head to the polls next Thursday (July 20), when Selby and Ainsty holds a by-election triggered by last month’s resignation of Conservative MP Nigel Adams. 

Most of the Selby and Ainsty constituency lies beyond our district’s borders – it stretches almost as far as Goole and Doncaster – but its northern end encompasses Huby, Follifoot, Spofforth and some of the villages in the Vale of York, such as Tockwith, Green Hammerton and Long Marston. 

With 13 candidates, there’s a broad field to choose from — but who are they, and what do they believe? 

Over the coming week, we’ll be spotlighting two or three each day, giving constituents the opportunity to read about the people who wish to represent them at Westminster – in their own words. 

Taking their surnames in alphabetical order, we start today with Andrew Gray, an independent, and Claire Holmes, who is standing for the Conservatives. 

Tomorrow: Mike Jordan, Yorkshire Party, and Dave Kent, Reform UK. 

Andrew Gray, Independent 

A Harrogate-based solicitor who founded his firm, Truth Legal, in 2012 on the principle that everyone should have access to affordable legal advice. 

“Annoyed with MPs who put party before constituents? Narked, that MPs don’t listen? Frustrated, that all our institutions are broken, exploited by ne’er-do-wells?

“Empowered by you, I am your only solution.

“Intuitively, you know that we can’t go on like this. We are the greatest country on earth; North Yorkshire, the greatest county. Great, because we are usually first, unafraid to go it alone. Think about it: the Industrial Revolution; parliamentary democracy; the end of slavery; foundation of the NHS; creators of football, rugby, golf and tennis; alone in WW2; creators of the computer, and more besides.When we innovate, we succeed.

“You have a choice: more of the same old failed politics, or something better, fresh, transparent.I’m asking for your votes: ‘votes’ because I have no policies. The good people of this constituency create my policies, with AI (artificial intelligence) harnessing your collective wisdom. So far, you’ve voted over 5,000 times to create your policies. I’m running 50 anonymous online conversations in every sizeable village and town. Why? So, that I can understand what you want from me.

“As your MP, you will influence how I represent you in Parliament, every week. Win, and every MP in the land will need to listen to the people. This is what representatives are meant to do, starting here, in Selby and Ainsty.

“If you believe, like I do, that interest rate hikes are madness, empower me. I recommend we restructure the failed Bank of England, should we?

“I’m a dad, first and foremost, with two children in school. Husband, leader, lawyer, entrepreneur and Quaker. I’ve made my mistakes, lots of them. I’ve represented hundreds of people, businesses and trade unions, throughout Yorkshire, and hired dozens of staff.

“Me, or more of the same? You decide. Let’s put Selby and Ainsty on the international map.”

Claire Holmes, Conservative Party

Claire Holmes is a solicitor and barrister based in Hull, and represents South East Holderness on East Riding of Yorkshire Council. She was selected last month following the unexpected resignation of the previous candidate, Michael Naughton. 

“I was born and grew up in Castleford and have always lived in Yorkshire. My dad worked down the pit and my mum was a seamstress.  

“I have a strong work ethic. I worked full time and studied with Open University to qualify as a barrister and I will use that dedication and those skills to be a strong voice for this community to ensure everyone here has access to good opportunities to achieve their potential. 

“I will push for more investment here alongside the Community Diagnostic Centre at New Selby War Memorial Hospital – improving access to healthcare; the 251 extra police officers secured for North Yorkshire – I sat on the Police Crime Commissioner’s Panel and I know these will help to make local people safer; and the £500m of new investment in North Yorkshire to grow our local economy and create good jobs with decent pay. 

“It is important Selby and Ainsty’s MP is focused on here and not Westminster.  

“Anyone who wants to represent our community must want to protect what’s special about our towns, villages and rural communities – protecting our green spaces, backing our farmers and creating jobs for local people.  

“I am a councillor in rural East Riding. I held the portfolio for planning, infrastructure and housing and sat on the Transport for the North board, setting long-term planning for the development of the north’s transport system, so I understand and have already faced many of the challenges here.  

“I am asking the people of Selby and Ainsty to put their trust in me as their next MP because I want to use the knowledge, skills and experiences I have accrued in my life for the benefit of Yorkshire, my home which I love and am proud of.  

“I have performed many voluntary roles as a scout leader, parish councillor, school governor and a member of my local drainage board to demonstrate my belief in the importance of representation being strongly rooted in community and why I believe I should become the next MP for Selby & Ainsty.“

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‘Two in three chance’ Conservatives will lose Selby & Ainsty

The upcoming by-election in Selby and Ainsty is the most likely of three in the UK to see a win for the Conservatives, according to bookmakers’ odds.

Parliamentary seats in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, and Somerton and Frome, will also be contested on Thursday, July 20.

Statistics from bookmakers’ odds, analysed by the Telegraph, reveal the Selby and Ainsty seat is the most likely of the three to remain in Tory hands.

However, it still has a 66% likelihood of being lost to another party or independent candidate.

By comparison, Boris Johnson’s former seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip has a 92% likelihood of being lost, and Somerton and Frome – previously held by David Warburton until his resignation after having the whip removed by the party – is rated at 71%.

In Selby and Ainsty, the by-election was triggered by the resignation of Nigel Adams, a close ally of the former prime minister.

He had held the seat since 2010, when it was first formed, and won a majority of just over 20,000 at the last election in 2019.

This time, the Conservative candidate will be Claire Holmes. She will stand against 12 other candidates, including two who have stood in the constituency before: Arnold Warneken for the Green Party and Mike Jordan for the Yorkshire Party.

The full list of candidates is:

Any constituents who have not yet registered to vote have until midnight tonight to do so on the government’s website.

It will be the first time voter ID will be required for an election in North Yorkshire. Acceptable forms of ID include photocard driving licences, UK passports, and bus passes for older or disabled people.

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Conservatives lose majority on North Yorkshire Council

The Conservatives have lost their majority on North Yorkshire Council following the defection of a councillor.

Mike Jordan resigned today from the Conservatives to become an independent.

He added he would support Pateley Bridge man Keith Tordoff, the Yorkshire Party candidate, in next year’s mayoral election for York and North Yorkshire and he also “might join the Yorkshire Party”.

It means the Tories now have 45 of the 90 seats on North Yorkshire Council — precisely half. However, if a vote is tied, the Tory chair David Ireton would get the casting vote.

Cllr Jordan said:

“I have listened to my constituents and I recognise their frustration with the Conservative Party and how their policies nationally and locally are affecting their health and wealth whilst destroying their communities.”

Yorkshire-born Cllr Jordan, who represents Camblesforth and Carlton, said his disillusionment with the Conservatives was more national than local, with the exception of the 20’s Plenty for Us campaign, which wants 20mph speed limits to be the norm on residential streets and in town and village centres.

He said he supported the initiative whereas “most of the Conservatives on north Yorkshire Council think it’s a waste of time”.

Cllr Jordan said the North Yorkshire Conservatives had not backed his bid to become the county’s first mayor next year and he would therefore support Mr Tordoff:

“I strongly believe Keith Tordoff, if elected mayor would make York and North Yorkshire an economic powerhouse, improve transport, whilst also through sustainability initiatives enrich the quality of the lives of people in the county.”

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It’s official: Independent guide selects Myrings as among UK’s best estate agents

This article is sponsored by Myrings.

How do you choose the right estate agent for your property?

Selling your home is one of the biggest decisions you will make – and whatever your reasons for doing so, you want to be sure it’s in the best possible hands.

Equally, if you have a property to rent out, you need to be confident your agent will work with you to find the right tenant and get the best price for your investment.

When you start looking for an agent, chances are you’ll be seeking a firm that’s established and reliable. Its fees will be a consideration and the way it responds to your initial enquiry will also play a part in your choice.

But even then, can you be confident the estate agent will deliver the best service and get the results you need?

Best Estate Agent Guide

Luckily, there are ways to make your choice based on independent research. One of these is the Best Estate Agent Guide – which now features Harrogate estate agency Myrings.

The guide lists the top agents across the country and is designed to be an independent resource for sellers and landlords to find the best sales and lettings agencies in their area.

Director Gemma Myring said:

“We are delighted to have been included in the Best Estate Agent Guide 2023. Agents cannot enter or pay for this award – the assessment is industry-wide and only those that meet the very highest standards are included. We are thrilled to have been recognised as among the best in the country.”

Myrings is a family-led firm with a wealth of experience in the property market.

From all its team members living in the Harrogate district to supporting local sports teams, including Harrogate Town, Myrings is invested in the community, and has also recently launched a new relationship supporting Martin House Children’s Hospice.

Its directors and staff are on hand to guide you through the process of selling or letting your home and ensure you achieve your goals, whether that’s achieving the best price, delivering in a quick time frame, or finding the perfect new home for your family.

To find out more, visit the Myrings website. You can call the sales department on 01423 566400, or contact the lettings team on 01423  569007.

The Harrogate travel specialists helping to create life-long memories

This article is sponsored by TravelGate.

A husband and wife team in Harrogate are making it their mission to create the best possible memories for people across the district.

Phil and Melanie O’Boyle founded TravelGate to deliver the kind of service they would want to receive from a travel agent: personalised, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile.

The pair have been running the firm for seven years and are just completing their busiest summer ever. Phil said:

“It can take a huge amount of time to book your own holiday, and it can be stressful, trying to coordinate all the elements and get exactly what you want.

“Using an independent agent takes all that away, especially for people who are time poor.

“We get a lot of repeat custom from people who’ve appreciated the service they get from us, letting them just turn up and enjoy their holiday.

“And the more we work with people, the more we get to know them and can make recommendations of places we know they’ll love.

“It’s fantastic when you reach the stage where they just say, ‘you tell me – where should we go?’ and you know exactly the right thing.”

One of the most remarkable things about TravelGate is the huge range of holidays it can offer to customers.

From simply booking flights for those who might be staying with family abroad, to delivering tailor-made, once-in-a-lifetime adventures around the world, they have seen and done it all.

Independent travel agents

Not only can they make their own recommendations, but their close contacts in the industry mean they are always able to source new hotels and resorts which they know will be a good fit. As independent travel agents, they can access deals which aren’t always open to others, building relationships with hoteliers and reps around the world.

They also keep in touch with customers old and new, hearing about their experiences and using their tips to make recommendations to others. Melanie said:

“We get emails from people while they’re on holiday telling us how much fun they’re having – even sending us holiday snaps.

“It’s really lovely knowing we’ve made sure they got what they wanted and are creating memories.

“That feedback also helps us to make recommendations for them in the future, and to other customers who are considering the same destination.”

When it comes to destinations, Phil and Melanie cover the whole world, and have customers flung far and wide at any given time.

As well as traditional summer package holidays from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, they work a lot with people who want to visit sout-east Asia, make the most of a trip to Australasia, or try a roadtrip across America.

Keeping everything on track

Though nobody likes to consider what happens when things go wrong, it is in these cases that a knowledgeable, independent travel agent comes into their own.

Whether it’s a cancelled flight or queries over transfers, dealing with any minor hiccups on holiday can be stressful, especially taking into account language and other barriers.

Phil and Melanie are always on hand – even having a phone at home to take out-of-hours calls – to step in and ensure things get back on track.

“We’re getting a lot of new customers at the moment who have never spoken to us before, but who perhaps haven’t been away for a few years and just want that added reassurance of having someone to contact if they need anything.

“Booking without an agent is a risk: you don’t know whether it will live up to the promises you see online or in a brochure.

“Whatever your budget and wherever your destination, a holiday is a big deal. You want it to be right and you want to feel you’ve got value for your money.

“That’s what we’re all about: making sure that investment delivers the experiences and memories that make it all worthwhile.”

You can contact TravelGate by phone on 01423 210 580, email on enquiries@gotravelgate.co.uk or message the TravelGate Facebook page.

What the customers say

There’s no better recommendation than that of someone who has used the service themselves.

TravelGate has hundreds of happy customers who are more than happy to return – and recommend the company to their friends.

Some recent comments sent to Phil and Melanie from around the world include:

Australia and New Zealand

“This is our last night of what has been an unforgettable trip. You know we were very nervous about travelling to Australia and New Zealand but the time you spent with us putting the trip together and going through everything with us a few days before we travelled put us at ease.

“It was a complicated itinerary but everything has gone so smoothly. My sister recommended you to us and we will definitely be using TravelGate for all our future holidays. Thank you both so much.”

Canada

“Wow wow wow – Canada is amazing. Beyond all our expectations.

“There are so many highlights. The Rocky Mountaineer has always been on our bucket list and did not disappoint.

“Memories of watching grizzly bears from our lodge in British Columbia will stay with us forever. We can’t wait to get over to Niagara Falls on Tuesday.

“Everything has been perfect so far and we cant thank you enough for everything you have done for us.”

Europe

“I just wanted to say thank you finding such a brilliant holiday for us.  The resort was fantastic, Lake Geneva was beautiful and the hotel was stunning.

“The temperature was just right for us and there was the perfect mix of activities to keep everyone busy. We would definitely go back and if you know of any other resorts like this we could try them too!

“Thanks for all your help and hard work on our behalf.”

Ski trip

“Just wanted to say we’re having a lovely time skiing this week. The hotel you chose for us is absolutely great, plenty of snow and even the sun is shining. Thank you for organising another great family holiday!”

Beach holiday

“Just wanted to send you a quick message to say what a find this hotel is. We are currently sitting on the private beach which is stunning. We are loving it and it’s just perfect! A big thank you!”

Florida

“We arrived in Longboat Key yesterday after an action packed Disney week. It all went brilliantly well and we all created life long memories.

“Our apartment at Longboat Key Resort is exceptional. We all love it here. Great choice of resorts guys. Thank you for all your help.

“The boys and I are playing golf tomorrow and the girls are going horse riding on the beach.

“Magical!”

Harrogate Knight Frank directors set up North Residential estate agency

The directors of Harrogate-based estate agency Knight Frank have set up an independent business.

The change will see the directors launch a new company with a fresh identity called North Residential.

Harlan Pollitt and Daniel Rigg secured independent ownership of the business after operating in Harrogate for 15 years.

The team will continue to be located on Harrogate’s Albert Street, with the office currently undergoing refurbishment.

Emma Kingham has been promoted to director, Harriet Cheshire has also become a director and Fiona Lippell, who has been with the business for over 15 years, remains office manager.

A statement by North Residential said that although it was independent, it would “maintain an amicable working relationship and continue to collaborate as necessary” with Knight Frank, which operates internationally.

Mr Pollitt said:

“Whilst retaining our position as the leading estate agent in Harrogate, we have plans to invest considerably to expand into more regions over the next few years.

“We are thrilled that our existing, highly valued team, that have become known and respected within the local community over many years, will each have an incentive in helping to make it even more successful.”

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Opposition councillors raise concern over £540m North Yorkshire devolution deal

Opposition leaders in North Yorkshire have given a mixed reaction to the announcement that a devolution deal has been agreed and have questioned whether the county’s residents will be fairly treated.

With the Tories achieving a narrow majority in May’s elections, opposition councillors say they will hold North Yorkshire County Council’s Conservative administration to account over how the gain-share or extra funding from government is divided between the county and York.

The comments come as a historic 30 year devolution deal was announced by ministers today, which will mean North Yorkshire and York will see an elected Mayor in 2024 with £540 million pounds of government cash.

Leader of the authority’s largest opposition group, the Liberal Democrats and Liberals, Cllr Bryn Griffiths said he had reservations over devolution and the combined authority and mayor that went with it.

He said: 

“The only way to get significant money from the government at the moment it seems is via combined authorities. I don’t think it’s the right way to do things, but it’s left areas without one in between the Devil and the deep blue sea.

“I don’t think mayors are very accountable, but if it gives access to funding it’s a balancing matter between accountability and funding.”

‘Not a great exercise in democracy’

A number of other authority opposition members have similar concerns that devolution has proved to be an intensely political process.

Independent group leader Cllr Stuart Parsons said: 

“It’s worrying in that it’s a political process as that means a change in government in a couple of years’ time could lead to all sorts of problems with it.

“A new government might not want things to work that way, and then the governance rules that appear to be set in place for it would be an absolute farce.”

Cllr Parsons said suggestions that two North Yorkshire and two City of York councillors would form the decision-making body on the combined authority with a mayor would be a blow for democratic representation and democratic decision-making.

He said the councillors on the combined authority would be from a council’s ruling group there would be no “serious political representation on that body”.

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Green Party group coordinator Cllr Andy Brown agreed that devolution “did not appear to be a great exercise in democracy” in the county.

He said:

“Genuine devolution would be a fantastic thing for North Yorkshire. Unfortunately it’s not what is taking place.

“At the moment we have a massive exercise in the centralisation of the district councils into one gigantic council and that council has yet to demonstrate it understands fully democratic processes.

“The critical factor will be not how much power central government delegates to Northallerton, but how much power Northallerton genuinely delegates to its communities.”

Meanwhile, Labour group leader Cllr Steve Shaw Wright said while he believed devolution would benefit North Yorkshire, he was uncertain about the timing.

He said the combination of launching a new unitary authority, starting negotiations with City of York Council and holding mayoral elections was “an awful lot all at once”.

Cllr Shaw Wright said: 

“I know there’s financial benefits, but it’ll not repay what we’ve had cut over the last 10 years.”

He added suggestions that the combined authority would feature just two York and two North Yorkshire councillors was “a recipe for disaster at the worst and deadlock at the best” and that a larger more politically representative decision-making body would be more effective.