Election 2022: Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale candidate preview

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: