Voters will head to the polls in five days time to elect the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The Stray Ferret has profiled each of the six candidates vying for the role on May 2.

Each major party is contesting the election, as well as two independents.

Below, you can find each candidate on the ballot paper plus a link to our interview with them.

Keith Tordoff, Independent

Keith Tordoff is no stranger to the election scene.

The Pateley Bridge businessman stood for North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner twice and has now put his name forward again for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Initially standing for the Yorkshire Party, Mr Tordoff will once again be contesting the election on May 2 as an independent.

Read more on our interview with Mr Tordoff here.

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Liberal Democrats

Felciity Cunliffe-Lister has not been in the political arena for long — but she feels she is the strongest candidate to become the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The co-owner of the Swinton Estate in Masham is the Liberal Democrat candidate on polling day on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Ms Cunliffe-Lister here.

Kevin Foster, Green Party

The Green Party’s Kevin Foster says he does not see himself as a politician, more of an “ordinary person done good”.

Mr Foster’s background includes serving in the British Army reserves for 30 years before moving into politics.

He will be tasked with winning the mayoral role for the Greens on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Mr Foster here.

Paul Haslam, Independent

Bilton resident Paul Haslam believes his extensive business experience stands him in good stead to be Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The Bilton and Nidd Gorge councillor was the last of six candidates to throw their hat into the ring to be the inaugural mayor.

Standing as an independent, Mr Haslam has centred his campaign around the economy and emphasised his business experience as his credentials.

Read more on our interview with Mr Haslam here.

David Skaith, Labour

David Skaith is tasked with winning York and North Yorkshire’s mayoral election for Labour on May 2.

The York-based businessman joined the party in 2015 after becoming “fed up” with the way the country was going politically.

Read more on our interview with Mr Skaith here.

Keane Duncan, Conservative

Keane Duncan believes he has a “bold ambition” for North Yorkshire.

The 29-year-old candidate for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is tasked with securing the position for the Conservative Party on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Mr Duncan here.

Read more:

• North Yorkshire mayoral election: Where do the candidates differ?


• What will the new combined authority mean for Harrogate?


• North Yorkshire mayor to be paid £81,300