Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has admitted failing to renew his car’s MOT on time.
The Stray Ferret received an email saying the former transport minister had been spotted outside Starbeck Library driving a diesel Jaguar XE which the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency website said had an expired MOT.
The sender — who called themself Mrs T Neale, Lady Blueberry Blower of Ripon Town — sent photos of the vehicle in Starbeck and the results of an online search revealing the MOT had expired on October 3.
The person said they had contacted North Yorkshire Police, adding:
“Should this DVLA information be accurate, I would presume Mr Jones is therefore driving without valid insurance.
“The police have got back to me, telling me they are forwarding my information to the relevant department.”
Mr Jones admitted he was “embarrassed” by the oversight.
He added it wasn’t the first time he had been “covertly photographed” and that he found the behaviour “odd and slightly disconcerting”.
He said:
“I am grateful to the anonymous individual who reminded me via the media that my car’s MOT has expired. It is currently in my garage as this week I took the train to London as I like to do when diary commitments allow.
“I’m quite embarrassed by my oversight. The car is booked in for its MOT and all the relevant authorities informed and reassured accordingly.”
Mr Jones’ Jaguar pictured in Starbeck.
He added:
“It is odd and slightly disconcerting to know that I am being covertly photographed by an anonymous individual who sends these photos to the media under a pseudonym.
“This is not the first correspondence I and others have received from a person using this pseudonym. Previously they have sent me information about a political opponent, whom I informed of the communication, and also sent my office insinuations about a councillor even going as far as including a photograph of their home.
“Despite this strange behaviour, I remain grateful that I have been reminded about my MOT.”
The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Police if it was taking any action against Mr Jones.
A spokesperson replied:
“In line with the College of Policing national, authorised professional practice, we would not confirm the names of anyone who is or isn’t suspected of an offence, nor would we name anyone who may or may not have been issued with an out of court disposal such as a fixed penalty or caution.”
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Library seeking volunteers to support Starbeck community this winter
A vital community service in Harrogate could be under threat this winter if more volunteers are not recruited.
Starbeck Library is run by more than 30 volunteers, but their numbers have fallen by around 25% compared to before the pandemic.
While they are still able to cover the 17 hours it is open each week, the reduced pool of people is putting extra pressure on them all and opening hours could be reduced if more help is not found.
Volunteer coordinator Ann Lewsley told the Stray Ferret:
“We’ve got 18 shifts a week to fill with 30-something people. We’re putting increasing begging emails out and people are ending up having to do more than they want to do, and then we’re in danger of scaring them off.
“Volunteering really doesn’t have to be a big commitment. If people can give us three hours once or twice a month, that would be great.
“Lots of people do every other week and some are just once a month. We don’t normally put any pressure on people to do more than they want to do, and the more volunteers we have, the easier it is for everyone.”
The community library is supported by North Yorkshire County Council, with access to its books, computer software and a shared professional librarian.
Each shift is staffed by at least two volunteers, and ideally three, and Ann described it as a small but friendly team in a welcoming environment. Most of the team members come from Starbeck, but many travel from further afield around Harrogate and even beyond.
The volunteers have recently been given a 10-year lease by the council to offer long-term security for the community library.
As well as book lending, it offers audio and ebooks, access to computers, and regular events for people of all ages including children’s story time.
Volunteers are supported by equipment and systems from NYCC
Earlier this year, the library was used by NYCC as an access point for people applying for help from the household support fund who did not have the internet at home.
Ann said one of the challenges of the volunteer rota was ensuring there was the right combination of people with complementary skills to meet visitors’ needs.
This winter, the library could also become a lifeline to people struggling to heat their homes, or looking for some company during the day.
Its team is happy to welcome people who want somewhere to read a book or newspaper, to knit, or to meet friends.
Ann added:
“With the winter coming, we’re saying, like lots of public spaces, come and use our electricity, come and be warm, read a book in the library for a couple of hours.
“We have a cafe on a Saturday where we sell drinks, but during the week, the volunteers will quite happily make a coffee or tea for someone.
“That’s all part of what we want to be able to offer to our community.”
A volunteers’ coffee morning for people interested in finding out more about volunteering is being held next Saturday, November 5, from 11am until noon. Anyone interested who can’t visit at that time can email volunteers.starbeckcl@gmail.com or call in to the library any day during opening hours.
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- Building society opens new branch in Knaresborough Library
- Starbeck and Bilton community libraries set for 10-year council deal