Election 2022: Knaresborough West candidate preview

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 Knaresborough West division which will see three candidates standing for election.

Philip Ireland, Conservative

Philip Ireland will stand as the Conservative candidate for Knaresborough West division.

Mr Ireland, who lives in the town, currently represents Knaresborough Aspin and Calcutt ward on Harrogate Borough Council.

He is the cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability on the authority.

The Stray Ferret asked Mr Ireland for comment for this preview, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

A Conservative party spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that they were confident in their election campaign and pledged to continue investing in services across North Yorkshire if elected.

A party spokesperson said:

“The Conservatives are fielding an experienced slate of candidates. This is important as we argue the case for local services with settlements from Selby to Richmond and Whitby to Settle.

“That case includes continued investment in local services that has seen a new pool in Ripon and the start of a new pool and leisure centre in Knaresborough.

“We are investing in the Hydro to provide more leisure facilities for local people.

“We need to continue the investment in our conference centre adapting it to the modern conference and exhibition industry. The centre underpins thousands of jobs across the district and brings in an estimated £29m to the local economy.”

David Crosthwaite, Labour

The Labour candidate for Knaresborough West will be David Crosthwaite.

Mr Crosthwaite has lived in Knaresborough for nearly 50 years and is a teacher.

He began his career at King James’ School and was later deputy headteacher at Selby High School, where he worked for 20 years.

Mr Crosthwaite added:

“For the last twelve years I have been Chairman of The Knaresborough Players, which is the registered charity that owns and operates Knaresborough’s Frazer Theatre as a not- for- profit community enterprise run entirely by unpaid volunteers. 

“If elected, I would support the values of a caring community.”

Matt Walker, Liberal Democrat

Matt Walker will be standing for the Liberal Democrats at the May 5 election.

Born and raised in Knaresborough, Mr Walker currently works for NHSX which created the NHS app and used to manage Harrogate accident and emergency department.

He said the NHS and social services need more investment and more needs to be done to “improve the quality of services delivered”.

Mr Walker said:

“As the number of houses in Knaresborough increases residents are concerned that the town infrastructure such as doctors dentists, school places are not developing to cope sufficiently with the towns increased population.

“I will work with local groups and the county council to improve the level of proactive planning for improved investment in the town.”

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