Businessman Julian Smith will defend the Skipton and Ripon seat on behalf of the Conservative Party at the next General Election.

Thirty-eight-year-old Mr Smith was chosen at a US-style “open primary” event held at Skipton’s Aireville School on Saturday.

The audience – comprising around 350 residents from across the constituency – heard from the final four candidates before voting for their choice.

Mr Smith, who is founder and managing director of London-based Arq International, received most votes, but the exact polling figures have not been released.

The other finalists were solicitor Fiona Bruce, Wing Commander Greg Hammond and GP Fiona Kemp.

“I am deeply honoured to have been selected as the parliamentary candidate for Skipton and Ripon, particularly because it was an open primary and it wasn’t just Conservative members who could vote,” said Mr Smith.

He takes over the candidacy from MP David Curry, who is standing down at the General Election after 18 years of service.

“To be following in the footsteps of David Curry is a great honour. There has not been a better MP and he has delivered year after year for this constituency.

“I am delighted to be taking on the baton from a Parliamentarian as experienced and worthy as him,” said Mr Smith, who plans to move to the area shortly.

He said he had decided to stand as a candidate because he was disillusioned with the effect of the “Westminster insider approach”.

“Parliament needs more people from the real world. I have got real-life experience and I know the area well as my family are from North Yorkshire. It is fantastic to be coming back to my roots.” Mr Smith said he would be campaigning for a better deal for rural areas and for more support for local farmers.

“I think rural areas get an unfair crack of the whip on public spending,” he said. “I am also keen to stand up for farming and agriculture. We have high-quality farmers in the constituency and we need to give them as much support as possible.”

And he promised to make himself as accessible as possible.

He plans to hold regular surgeries at Skipton Auction Mart and to attend business breakfasts across the constituency.

“I am trying to think of ways of becoming more accessible. I believe I should get out to the people rather than them coming in to a surgery,” he said.

Another of his priorities is to get young people involved and, with this in mind, he will publish an “exciting set of ideas” within the next fortnight.

“I am really looking forward to working in the constituency,” said Mr Smith, who is married.

Richard Hughes, chairman of the Skipton and Ripon Conservative Association, said: “I would like to congratulate Julian on becoming the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Skipton and Ripon at the next General Election.

“I think he is an excellent choice and made a strong impression on all the residents who attended the open primary.

“David Curry will be a hard act to follow as our Conservative candidate, but I am confident that Julian is up to the challenge and I look forward to working with him.”

* Anyone who wishes to get in touch with Mr Smith can emailing him at juliansmith@skiptonandriponconservatives.com