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 Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate division which will see four candidates standing for election.
Michael Harrison, Conservative
The Conservative candidate for the division is Michael Harrison.
Mr Harrison currently sits on both Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council as a councillor.
He is also the executive member for adult services and health integration on the county council.
On why he is standing, Mr Harrison said:
“I am the only candidate who lives in the Killinghall, Hampsthwaite & Saltergate electoral division.
“I have represented the area for 20 years as a parish, borough and county councillor. I have a track record of working all year round, not just at election time and will help deliver the new council for North Yorkshire if given the opportunity on May 5.”
Bill Rigby, Green Party
Bill Rigby is the Green Party candidate for Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate division.
Mr Rigby lives in Knaresborough with his family and became the first Green Party mayor of the town in 2016.
He worked as a consultant and teacher in eduction and set up a university in East Africa.
He said he spent his working life “fixing” things and feels this experience will help him being a councillor.
Mr Rigby said:
“It has become apparent that our society needs ‘fixing’, but the problems run deep, so the mending process involves us all working together, in harmony, with an eye on a common goal.
“I feel my experience is just right to help our district succeed in this endeavour. Old methods and ‘business as usual’ have led us in the wrong direction.
“I am now convinced that Green values and principles offer the best route to a happier future, not only for ourselves but also for all our companions and fellow creatures.”
Edward Clayson, Labour
The Labour candidate for the division is Edward Clayson.
Mr Clayson is a mental health nurse in the NHS and has lived and worked in Harrogate for 30 years.
He is currently branch secretary for the Harrogate Labour Party and has been a member for the past decade.
Mr Clayson said, if elected, his aim would be to get a “fair and equitable” service from the council for all.
He said:
“I am passionate about the NHS and, in particular, trying to improve mental health services in the Harrogate district
“I have been involved in local campaigns, including the Save Nidd Gorge campaign and also have campaigned for a mental health services.
“If elected for North Yorkshire County Council, I will work in the best interests of all residents in this ward hoping to ensure a fair and equitable service from the council to all.”
Read more:
- How the Harrogate district’s wards will change ahead of local election
- Full list of election candidates in Harrogate district revealed
David Goode, Liberal Democrat
David Goode is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the division on election day.
A Knaresborough resident for 30 years, Mr Goode is currently a councillor on North Yorkshire County Council and Knaresborough Town Council.
He is also a member of Knaresborough Connectors, Community Land Trust and Chair of Governors at Aspin Park Academy school.
During his working life, he worked as an IT consultant and sales and marketing specialist. He has since retired.
Mr Goode said, if elected, he would help establish stronger rural and urban communities.
He said:
“Through NYCC Locality Fund I have supported the establishment of a new youth group for 7-to-11-year olds, provided funding to set up community gardening projects, helped fund two defibrillators in the town and in partnership with Knaresborough Connectors helped fund laptops for school children during the pandemic.
“The key to establishing stronger urban and rural communities is the provision of affordable public transport – subsidised – fairer integrated ticketing between bus companies and rail with integrated timetables between bus companies and rail.”