LOCAL ELECTIONS 2022: Candidates spell out why they should get your vote

Those selected following the May 5 election will serve as county councillors for the last year of North Yorkshire County Council, and then for the first four years of North Yorkshire Council, which will replace the current system of county, district and borough councils in the county from April 1, 2023.

Of the 33 candidates standing in Craven, 13 are sitting members of Craven District Council and will continue to serve on the district council until it ceases to exist on March 31 next year, whatever the outcome of the election. Six candidates already occupy seats on the county council, in addition to the district council, and are seeking re-election.

There are nine Conservative Party candidates, seven Greens, six Labour, five Liberal Democrat, five Independents and one standing for the Yorkshire Party.

They will be fighting for just one seat on the nine divisions of the new council. All divisions are contested by at least two candidates, with the most, five candidates standing in Skipton East and South and also in Skipton North, Embsay with Eastby.

Craven votes will be counted at Skipton Town Hall on Friday, May 6.

AIRE VALLEY (two candidates):

Andy Brown (Green Party) : Andy has been an active district councillor for Aire Valley with Lothersdale for the past five years. He has lived in Cononley for 27 years, worked as deputy principal at Keighley College, writes regularly for the Yorkshire Post Country Section and was director of Young People’s Learning for the whole of Yorkshire.

Andy says: “The government has decided to abolish Craven District Council and replace it with a single council covering an area that stretches from Cowling to Scarborough. Now, more than ever, it is important that we have a strong, local voice to stand up for our area on the new super council.

I have lived in this area for decades and I am determined to protect it. I want our children to live in an area where they are able to afford to live and get good quality jobs. I want people to be the priority not fast through traffic and I want homes to be built in appropriate places for need not in inappropriate ones for profit.

You don’t stand for the Green Party because you want an easy career. You do it because you value our local community and its environment.”

Stuart Handley (Conservative Party): I have lived in Craven all my life. Coming from a farming background and working in a local business of livestock auctioneers, valuers and estate agents, I am thoroughly aware of the day to day challenges that working and living in a rural area bring to all of us.

I have served for three years as a Craven district councillor. During that time have gained valuable experience and fully appreciate the concerns of those living in our countryside villages and towns.

As well as improving the services provided by the new North Yorkshire Council, there are vital environmental considerations to address; locally, nationally and internationally.

Flooding in the Aire Valley causes great damage and distress. Traffic congestion has a detrimental impact on local residents by increasing levels of pollution and creating hold ups.

I shall ensure that these problems are given urgent consideration by the council and help to find solutions.

I am committed to improving the quality of life for every member of our community; the young, the old and the vulnerable.

I shall always be accessible and put people first and I offer my time and my dedication to a better future for all of us.

BENTHAM AND INGLETON (four candidates):

David Ireton (Conservative Party): The establishment of a North Yorkshire Council is full of potential benefits for our communities. It is an opportunity to lay firm foundations for future progress in improving local government and the delivery of all local services to residents across North Yorkshire giving value for money and ensuring the needs of each community are met.

The formation of the new council could save as much as £250 million over five years which will provide vital support for front line services. The new council will need to develop a strategic approach to protecting our environment in the face of urgent environmental challenges arising from global warming. This is something that will affect us all.

Having lived and worked in the heart of North Craven for many years I am fully aware of the pressures that living and working in a rural area brings to us all. I will continue to put people’s concerns first and keep an open and independent mind when casting my vote on the council.

Lewis Morgan (Labour Party): Lewis was born in North Yorkshire and returned to the Craven area four years ago. He worked in broadcasting for many years until severe head injuries left him with neurological damage and post-traumatic stress disorder.

He says: “The frustration of being a patient, seeing services vanish and lists grow, instils determination to see improvement and I strongly believe disabled representation benefits policy makers and society alike. I know first-hand the importance of more accessibility, less discrimination and will campaign to ensure equal access for all. Human and environmental factors are the key to decisions. Nobody should choose heat versus eat in one of the richest economies on earth.

“I know that isolated communities like those in this part of the county have shown the best in people over during the Covid years with residents rallying to help each other, but we need and deserve stronger support from both central and local government. I would be proud to represent the Bentham and Ingleton area on the new county council and would ensure that the voice of the people of this area was heard loud and clear in the county council’s deliberations.”

John Smithson (Liberal Democrat): I moved to Bentham in 2019, but it's a place I proudly call home, as a Yorkshireman born in Leeds. I have worked for multi-nationals like Shell and Unilever, as well as running my own businesses; I believe this has collectively given me life experiences and skills that I can bring to bear when achieving some good for my adopted and welcoming local community.

I currently volunteer in Bentham Community Library and support on their home delivery book service, in addition to spending time with Age UK, driving individuals to medical appointments and working at their Settle charity shop. I'm also a proud member of the Bentham Environmentally Sustainable Town group, comprised of residents committed to making Bentham greener. I believe there are many aspects of local services in the UK that compare unfavourably with those I have seen and used in similar countries, alongside greater financial inequalities in the geographic allocation of resources. When asking myself how this situation can be changed, I concluded that acting is required to address these. As your Liberal Democrat candidate, I will fight for the improvement of services in this part of North Yorkshire.

Anne Weinhold (Green Party): Anne has been an active participant and spokesperson in her local communities for many years, running a social enterprise supporting local businesses and working with the council to improve business support and heritage industries in the area. She has previously worked for the Green Party MEP Keith Taylor, liaising with local groups and councils to increase the availability of affordable housing, improve local public transport and fund community based creative industries. In her work for a leading nature conservation charity she understands the links between nature, people and business and wants to bring these strengths to her new role as a councillor.

Anne says: “As we emerge from the pandemic, and with a climate crisis happening right now, we need community champions that will ensure that local businesses and communities can thrive in a changing environment by working closely with the council moving forward. I am proud to stand for the Green Party in Bentham and Ingleton, representing our area and enabling opportunities for growth with the environment and people at the heart.”

GLUSBURN, CROSS HILLS AND SUTTON-IN-CRAVEN (four candidates):

Philip Barrett (Independent): Philip is a family man and has lived in Glusburn and Cross Hills all his life. He’s very much a community candidate and his main focus has always been to represent local people and be solely accountable to the electorate. He has a substantial knowledge of council matters having served this locality for many years as both North Yorkshire County Councillor for South Craven and a Craven District Councillor for Glusburn and Cross Hills.

He has a good knowledge of planning and has a strong record of safeguarding South Craven’s green field sites. Living within this county division he understands it’s needs and the importance of Cross Hills as the local service centre for South Craven residents and the surrounding villages. Over the years he’s supported many local projects, sports, community and voluntary groups who all make an important contribution to the locality. If elected, his main issues for the new council will be to use his experience to develop services that are local, cost effective and accessible to the public. To pursue new opportunities under the proposed devolution deal for a holistic approach to South Craven’s transport infrastructure issues including the reopening of the railway station.

Fran Graham (Green Party): Fran Graham has lived in Cononley neighbouring Glusburn and Sutton for 17 years. She is married and a parent of a child at South Craven School. She works for the Woodland Trust, has experience in ecology, planning issues, setting up small businesses and farm advice. She is also an active member of the Craven Accordion Orchestra based in Sutton-in-Craven. She is a stubborn optimist and wants to support greener, fairer, communities.

Andy Micklethwaite (Conservative Party): A Yorkshire family man from humble origins I have been a board director of major companies, universities, schools and charities. I understand the challenges of everyday life. I’m passionate about education, the built environment, social mobility and job opportunities for all ages. The establishment of North Yorkshire unitary council is a major change with many challenges : I’ve spent my life managing change and am someone who “get things done”.

Christopher Thorp (Labour Party): Chris is a retired IT manager who lives in Cowling and helps care for his grandchildren who live in Cross Hills.

Chris grew up in Liverpool and spent most of his career working in the computer software sector, initially in Cheshire where he ran an IT company. He later moved to work for a business in North Yorkshire and retired as IT manager after 29 years’ service. Due to changes in the organisation, he says it was like a different job every five years. Whilst working, he studied management and was a governor at his children’s secondary school. In recent years Chris has become frustrated by the Tory Government. Recognising he could do little about it as an independent he joined Labour as the party most likely to make a real change. Chris believes we need a council that will make North Yorkshire a great place to live for all its people. He says the Tories’ old-fashioned thinking makes them wrong on almost everything from climate change to developing people and business. They are now putting the farming community through the wringer.

As a councillor he will campaign on policies to tackle climate change, develop business and improve people’s quality of life, while representing his area.

MID CRAVEN (two candidates):

Simon Myers (Conservative Party): I have represented Gargrave and Malhamdale on Craven District Council for 11 years and worked hard for the residents and more broadly for all of Craven. I believe that local government should be accountable, deliver services efficiently, run on sound economic principles and be ambitious on behalf of its residents. As deputy leader I have worked hard to help generate more and better employment prospects for our residents and am passionate about environmental issues. I don’t believe that ‘green’ needs to be a political colour. I have always fought for residents on local issues from planning to environmental health.

That is why I am standing for the new unitary authority. I regret the passing of the district council and believe that we will need the strongest and most capable councillors to help shape the new council; to guarantee that local democracy is not eroded and that the needs of our residents are met; that decisions that affect our residents are taken as locally as possible. The new council will have a budget of £1.3 billion and represent over 600,000 residents. Not a job for dreamers. These are the most important local elections in 50 years. Please use your vote.

Simon James Watkins (Green Party): I’m standing for the Green Party in this election because I support its vision for a North Yorkshire of thriving communities living in an environment that supplies their economic needs, supports their well-being and is protected for future generations. I bring decades of experience as a landscape architect delivering improvements to public space and fighting for the highest environmental and design standards in development. In my working life I’ve also been a social care worker, supporting people with learning disabilities. As a resident of Malhamdale and now Hellifield, I’m rooted in your community and know how engaged, energetic and diverse the people of this area are.

I want to raise my voice for our communities, speaking up about the issues that matter to you: traffic safety in our villages, energy security, development that’s appropriate and fit for a sustainable future, a prosperous rural economy that honours tradition and allows nature and people to thrive together.

In the new electoral division of Mid-Craven, this election is a head-to-head race between just two candidates: a Conservative representing an ideology that has lost its way and a Green, standing for a new kind of politics. Your vote counts more than ever: vote Green.

SETTLE AND PENYGHENT (three candidates)

Luke Allan (Liberal Democrat): The transition into the new unitary authority of North Yorkshire Council is an unprecedented and radical change to local government and will have a lasting impact on current and future generations for years to come. As decision-making moves to Northallerton, we need a committed local champion who will address the long-standing issues of our community, such as the lack of appropriate affordable housing; speeding and litter that blights our picturesque landscapes; road maintenance; cuts to vital local services; and our abhorrent record on addressing the growing climate emergency. I have a proven track record of supporting communities, speaking up against injustice and campaigning for meaningful change in my strive for a stronger society, and I am attentive to the issues faced by Craven residents after having lived here for most of my life. I also have experience working with community groups, organisations, law enforcement and local government. On May 5th, elect a representative that prioritises the needs of residents over personal ambition by voting for a local champion dedicated to protecting our communities future. It’s time for a clean slate. Vote Luke Allan for a fresh voice and a fair deal for North Craven.

Aidan Higgins (Labour Party): It is my pleasure and privilege to be the Labour candidate in Settle and Penyghent. I grew up locally and now live in Skipton with my partner. I am standing in Settle and Penyghent because I believe that we can and should be doing better for rural communities.

For decades we have been taken for granted by Conservative councillors and MPs who owe their allegiance to a government that has slashed local councils’ spending whilst raising taxes. In contrast Labour is on your side with a plan to tackle the cost of living catastrophe that is hitting people in this area. I am passionate about delivering a fresh start for North Yorkshire working in co-operation with residents and businesses getting the best out of our new council to create a sustainable future for our rural economy. Professionally I have worked as a civil servant and in parliament. I have always put constituents first and promise to do that again if you put your faith in me to be your councillor.”

David Staveley (Conservative Party): An experienced councillor with a track record of effective community representation, and the only truly local candidate, I feel uniquely placed to be the best councillor my fellow residents could have as we move into the new unitary era.

A lifelong resident of Ribblesdale, it’s been a great honour to serve the people of Settle and Ribblebanks for my third term as a district councillor and my first year as county councillor for the Ribblesdale division. This past year as a dual-hatted member has been productive and exhilarating as I’ve been able to further my passion as a community representative. The increased range of responsibilities have shown how effective the new role can be across a variety of local issues; my understanding of which has been a lifetime in the making.

I have continued to be proactive in supporting residents, community groups and businesses alike to keep our Dales way of life special, and I once again delivered a full budget of my CDC and NYCC councillor member grants supporting various community initiatives. I have always put residents first and foremost in my work as their ward councillor.

I once again humbly ask for your support as I seek to continue that legacy of effective representation.

SKIPTON EAST AND SOUTH (five candidates):

Robert Heseltine (Independent): Robert is deeply involved in public life, is active in supporting industry for the provision of new, well paid jobs. He has a special interest in environmental issues economic regeneration and voluntary charity work. He has vast experience in all aspects of the workings of all the services which the new North Yorkshire authority will be responsible.

His intention is to continue to resist the over development of our green fields setting of Skipton. Robert says the way forward is smaller scale proposals Craven wide, bearing in mind where the new employment will come from for the occupants of the extra dwellings. Not forgetting the necessary improvement in the infrastructure of education, health facilities, sporting, leisure and culture and particularly highways, which are the consequences of most developments.

We all have a prime responsibility to care for, hold dear and respect the planet which we share with all living creatures. It is for all of us in our every day living to maintain, improve and cherish all aspects of our environment. I have no words to fully express my horror at the death and destruction faced by the Ukrainian people. All nations and their elected leaders must, though dialogue not war, settle their differences and live in peace.

Rick Judge (Independent): Raised/living in town Skipton’s very close to my heart. I’m committed to help its residents and to ensure Skipton remains a prosperous forward-thinking town.

Elected to Skipton Town Council in 2019 I’ve made it my mission to serve the community and brought in a full reform within STC which has seen dramatically reduced costs to taxpayers of Skipton.

I have championed wildflower projects to help struggling pollinators and seek to plant as many trees as possible throughout the county to help with the climate crisis. I’m committed to putting a stop to excessive spending of councils and to scrutinise where the money goes.To ensure support is there for residents who are struggling through this increased cost of living.

To stop the excess over development which is changing the character of the town. If we must build, we need more affordable housing for young families who are constantly being priced out of the market.

Alongside developments I aim to tackle failing infrastructure, also challenge NYCC to become more sustainable. We have technology to be completely sustainable, just not the will to implement it. This I seek to change. It’s my mission to break from the status quo and create a sustainable future for us but more importantly our children.

Brian McDaid (Labour Party): Brian is a senior trade union officer, representing members across the UK. He was the Skipton and Ripon Labour Party candidate in the 2019 General Election when he consolidated Labour’s position as the main challenger to the Tories. He has been active in raising the profile of the party across the community and has supported local campaigns, community groups and individuals.

Born in Scotland, he moved to this area 18 years ago where he now lives with his wife and three children. In his rare spare time, he plays and watches football, researches social and local history and tries his hand at gardening.

He says: “I am proud to be standing in this election, where we have a wonderful opportunity for a fresh start. It is essential we have people that listen, support and represent our communities. If elected, I will work hard to be available for those I represent and ensure all the voices of our community are heard in the council chamber, our local services are protected and our unique environment is protected.”

Heather Midwinter (Conservative Party): "I'm a dairy farmer's daughter and witness first hand the pressure and strain on local, independent, businesses which need continued support.

As a real estate and renewable energy solicitor, I appreciate the challenges we face in preserving the Yorkshire Dales yet moving forward with green energy projects and would like to be a part of achieving a fair balance. The shortage of houses and the increase in house prices makes it incredibly difficult for many to own their own home in an area in which they've grown up - reviewing this is a priority of mine."

Kate Ward (Liberal Democrat): My aim in life is to live in a society which is fair and where all citizens are equal. As a paediatrician who works with children in care, young people in the youth justice system and unaccompanied asylum seekers, and who is also a chair of governors in a Skipton school, I care deeply about education, the NHS and services to young people and the vulnerable.

I have experience of caring for two parents with dementia and advocate for carers of people of all ages. I strongly believe in the Lib-Dem principles of local democracy and local problem solving. This includes support for provision of low-cost housing in the area, whilst protecting the environment and tackling climate change.

SKIPTON NORTH AND EMBSAY WITH EASTBY (five candidates):

John Dawson (Conservative Party): I have lived in the ward for over 20 years with my wife Caroline and I worked in Skipton from 1987. I have served Skipton North as a Conservative councillor since 2011 and as a Craven councillor from 2015-2019. I have fought on many issues for residents over these years.

Conservative Craven Council has successfully obtained millions in grants for major projects especially in Skipton. We need to fight to continue this inward investment. Embsay with Eastby has issues on speeding traffic and maintaining the "green wedge" between it and Skipton. I will work with the parish council on these and other matters.

The creation of the new North Yorkshire Council provides great opportunities with it becoming the only council from 2023 providing all your local services. There should be savings but also greater devolution and funding to North Yorkshire from central government. It is vital we elect a strong team of local Conservative councillors to ensure we get our Craven voices heard on behalf of residents."

David Noland (Green Party): David has served the residents of Skipton North on Craven District Council since May 2019 and hopes to be elected to the new division that unites Skipton North with Embsay and Eastby.

His first public action as a councillor was to support the opening of the play area in Aireville Park, the brainchild of the Friends of the Park. He has supported residents in planning and licensing issues, particularly with the prospect of overbearing and unsightly developments such as the proposed phone mast by the war memorial or the mooted garage at the top of the Gargrave Road.

The overriding local housing need in Craven is for one and two bed affordable homes so he sees that as the new council’s priority. The council should be looking to reuse out of use commercial buildings and building on brownfield land not green fields.

David says: “I helped initiate the council’s declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2019 and I hope to continue this work on the new council.

I have enjoyed living in this area for about 15 years now. I love that you can still walk into town and buy most things you want from day to day”

Brian Shuttleworth (Independent): Brian Shuttleworth has lived in and played an active part in the Embsay with Eastby community for over 50 years. He worked in Skipton in both local government and private practice throughout that time, involving regular travel throughout North Yorkshire. He therefore feels qualified to meet the Government dictum to ‘put power into the hands of people who know their communities best and to act more flexibly and innovatively to respond to local priorities’ when the proposal of Local Government re-organisation was published last year.

He has been a Craven DC Councillor for the last six years. His professional experience in building surveying, housing, planning and related legislation assist in his understanding and judgment of local development and infrastructure problems and solutions. Now retired, he retains an active interest in property matters and has the time to give appropriate consideration and formulate solutions to many of the problems which arise in an active, historic market town and its satellite villages.

As an Independent candidate, he has no allegiance with any political party, choosing to apply common sense and ‘joined together thinking’ in order to improve the quality of life for current residents and future generations.

Phil Street (The Yorkshire Party): I live in Embsay with my family and work for a humanitarian charity. I want to see Yorkshire gain more local decision-making powers, and to use them to improve transport, education and the environment.

While billions are spent on Crossrail and HS2, North Yorkshire’s £116 million bid for bus improvements was denied by Westminster. A mayor will have no significant powers or budget; South and West Yorkshire’s mayors were powerless to stop Westminster cancelling rail projects and increasing National Insurance during the cost-of-living crisis. Only with powerful, properly funded devolution, can Yorkshire have greener transport and new railways.

Yorkshire needs greener homes, on rejuvenated derelict sites, with supporting infrastructure. I will protect greenbelt, national parks and historic sites.

North Yorkshire’s farmers deserve support. They create jobs, reduce reliance on imports and form part of the essential character of Yorkshire; I will promote ‘buy local’ campaigns.

With smaller district councils being abolished, town and parish councils need support, funding and training to bring powers back to local communities. The Yorkshire Party was founded on the principles on localism – please vote for me on May 5th to support local powers and more funding for Yorkshire.

Michelle Winthrop (Liberal Democrat): I share the Liberal Democrat vision that rural areas should be empowered to build strong local economies that are resilient and innovate. We advocate that the Government should decentralise power to enable the development of thriving communities. Rural communities are often let down by National policy decisions that are made with urban communities in mind, for example, spending decisions on infrastructure, housing, and transport services which fail to properly consider the needs and potential of rural communities.

The new North Yorkshire Council creates a crucial opportunity to shape local decisions and advocate real change: the 90 Councillors will be responsible for delivering all services across North Yorkshire and will represent the voice of the people. To do this effectively and avoid group thinking we need a Council that is not dominated by one party and recognises that there will always be a range of different views on most issues. I feel very privileged to have lived in Skipton for the past 26 years and would like to play a role in ensuring that North Yorkshire Councillors serve their constituents constructively and that the Council engages in rigorous debate to ensure council decisions are fair and consider the needs of all.

SKIPTON WEST AND WEST CRAVEN (four candidates):

Peter Madeley (Labour Party): Peter has lived and worked in Skipton for 43 years. He is married with two grown up children and three grandchildren.

He has served as a Craven district councillor for 16 years and represented Skipton West on the town council for seven years.

He has been closely involved in many campaigns alongside local residents and was delighted to see the recent improvements in the canal towpath following years of campaigning on behalf of residents and walkers. Peter is currently chair of the Skipton Market Committee and is determined to ensure that the market retains and develops its place as the vibrant centre of a thriving town.

He says the creation of the new county council offers a chance for a fresh start for North Yorkshire. But in order to make the most of the new opportunities it is essential that the new council has a strong Labour group representing different parts of what will be the country’s largest local authority. Peter will promote policies to ensure that there are houses to rent at sensible prices. He also believes there is a need for more schools in the area rather than the closures overseen by the Tory led county council.

Patrick Mulligan (Conservative): Patrick is an experienced local councillor, having served as the member for Airedale at North Yorkshire County Council since 2009 and Craven District Council since 2014. Always happy to help local residents, Patrick enjoys working with parish councils and communities to solve problems and deliver positive results. He has a strong track record of supporting road safety schemes and community projects, as well as dealing with planning issues.

As Lead Member for Finance at Craven District Council, Patrick has been very involved in Skipton Town Hall’s refurbishment, as well as shaping plans for future improvements to the town. Experienced, and respected for getting things done, Patrick is committed to ensuring local residents have a strong voice at the new council.

Patrick has lived in West Craven with his wife and family for over 20 years and has two daughters, both of whom went to Skipton Girls High School. Before becoming a local councillor, Patrick spent a number of years as an English teacher.

Claire Nash (Green) : I have lived in Skipton for 16 years and became a town councillor three years ago. I would like to continue this work and the town council's efforts to keep Skipton as somewhere people want to live, work or visit. I have been employed, have run my own business, been director of two companies and a school governor, am now retired but can bring a wide variety of experience to the council. It is important to represent people and I like to get out and meet others, knock on doors, find out what people are concerned about. I regularly litter-pick, cut back overgrown vegetation from paths and generally 'housekeep' the town either alone or with organised groups and I think civic pride is important. The cost of living crisis, the climate emergency, the shift to online shopping and other threats to Skipton all need to be faced up to and creative answers found. Whenever I can, I support small local businesses. My bees in the bonnet for many years have been better public transport and pedestrian safety issues.

Andy Solloway (Independent): Compared to the suffering and conflict that is happening in Ukraine, these elections may or may not seem important, but it shows how precious democracy is. These local elections affect your council services and decisions for the next five years.

I have huge experience, I have been a Councillor since 2002, Independently working hard for you. Hands on, I get things done. Free from party politics I’m an

effective Councillor, supporting residents with development/traffic issues,

planning, potholes, lighting, benefits and housing and much, much more. I run litter-picking and gritting sessions, help with Incredible Edible, delivered support to vulnerable people and did lots of shifts at local vaccination centres during the pandemic.

I will be a positive, strong and independent voice of fairness and common-sense, with the time, energy and experience for this demanding role.

The new council must deliver value for your money, be more efficient and effective, have more joined up working, get more devolved funds for infrastructure and let residents have more say in how our towns and villages are developed, given the problems development causes. Adult Social Care funding is also a big issue. Being Independent, I can truly stand up for you in Skipton and West Craven

WHARFEDALE (four candidates):

Richard Foster (Conservative Party):I am proud to say Wharfedale has been my home for most of my life. I currently live in Hebden but grew up on a farm at Kilnsey and have been representing the Grassington ward on Craven District Council for the past 18 years, of which I have been leader of for the past eight years.

I have and want to continue to be a strong voice for Wharfedale and Craven on the new larger council and support you, the businesses and the many communities as we move forward from the pandemic and into a new greener future. There are many challenges facing us at the moment and I would like to continue to represent you making sure we are not forgotten and continue to be a great place to live.

Chris Rose (Labour Party): Having lived in Craven for more than 30 years and worked at Upper Wharfedale School and Craven College, I feel that I have some understanding of the many issues we face, living in a mainly rural area.

During my time as a Labour member of the district council, I have had the opportunity to serve the residents of Craven and to learn how very important it is to ensure a fair deal for all members of our society.

The new council will provide opportunities for change. If elected, I would work to ensure true, effective localism is embedded in all aspects of the council's work. The future holds many uncertainties but I firmly believe in the core Labour belief - the strength of communities - should be at the heart of local government.

“I have been involved in the development of a local community centre and I regularly volunteer at our local park run. I feel it is important for us to put back into the community where and how we can. I also make use of my teaching experience assisting with the juniors at the local running club. Our local communities are precious and working together is invaluable.

Tony Serjeant (Green Party): I am fortunate to live and work in Wharfedale: a beautiful place with strong, friendly communities – but we face some big challenges: cost of living rises, lack of genuinely affordable housing, an uncertain future for farming and environmental degradation exacerbated by climate change. I have been inspired to stand for the Green Party because it takes these issues seriously and I have seen how Green Party councillors work hard and effectively within their communities to tackle these problems.

My working life has been in the private, public, and charitable sectors, mainly in jobs connected with the rural environment. I have been a county councillor previously, so I have experience of representing my community at that level of local government.

The new North Yorkshire Council, combining all the old authorities into one, and responsible for local transport, social services, waste collection and many other services could bring massive benefits in terms of a more joined-up approach to provision – or it could become a remote, unresponsive, and complacent organisation dominated by one party – the Conservatives – lacking coherent answers to the big economic, social, and environmental challenges of our times. This election is important: vote Green and for positive, beneficial change.

Siân Wheal (Liberal Democrat): I am standing in the elections because I am passionate about Wharfedale. My family has lived in Grassington since the 1950s and the Dales is firmly in my heart. I manage a Bed and Breakfast in the village, a business which has been in the family for over 30 years.

As a local resident, I can see the problems that visitors don’t see – the decline in regular public transport, the rubbish left behind by tourists, the lack of affordable housing for local people. If elected, I will listen to your concerns and work hard to address these issues that affect you daily. I am willing to stand up for fairness and equality for residents.