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”.