Labour candidate David Skaith has been elected to serve as the first ever mayor for York and North Yorkshire, after getting a 35% share of the votes.
The result of the election was announced today (Friday 3rd May) voters in Craven and across the county had gone to the polls yesterday.
The vote will be a major moment for a long-awaited devolution deal for the region.
The mayor will oversee the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, which launched on February 1st, to introduce benefits ranging from new and better-paid jobs and improved skills and training to more affordable housing.
A total of six candidates stood for election, and the results were:
- Cunliffe-Lister, Felicity Clare, Liberal Democrats - 30,867 votes.
- Duncan, Keane Charles, The Conservative Party - 51,967 votes.
- Foster, Kevin, The Green Party - 15,188 votes.
- Haslam, Paul, Independent - 12,370 votes.
- Skaith, David, The Labour and Co-operative Party - 66,761 votes.
- Tordoff, Keith Graham, Independent - 13,250 votes.
The turnout for the election was 29.89 per cent from the 640,012 people who are registered to vote in York and North Yorkshire.
The result was declared by North Yorkshire Council’s chief executive, Richard Flinton, who was the combined authority’s returning officer as well as the local returning officer for North Yorkshire for the election.
The mayor, who will start in the role on Tuesday next week (May 7th) and will serve a four-year term, will develop close links with the Government to secure more funding and decision-making powers as the devolution deal evolves.
The deal includes an investment fund totalling £540 million over a 30-year term, which provides flexibility to target money to specific schemes on a more local level.
The mayor will continue work that is already under way on projects including £12.7 million to deliver 700 new homes on brownfield sites and a further £10 million to support the transition to net zero, unlocking economic opportunity, empowering business growth and creating new and better paid jobs.
The mayor will also take on the responsibilities of the police, fire and crime commissioner for York and North Yorkshire. The commissioner is responsible for holding the chief constable as well as the chief fire officer to account and ensuring their services are efficient and effective.
The commissioner sets policing and crime priorities and oversees the police budget. The commissioner also supports community safety activities and provides victims of crime with a range of services, as well as setting priorities in the fire and rescue plan and overseeing the brigade’s budget.
Skipton children’s charity collaborates with luxury makeup brand
Police appeal after two vehicle collision in Skipton
Village panto raises over £3,000 for good causes
Nominations open for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust Governor elections
Call for volunteers to tackle litterbugs in clean-up campaign
Community Centre in Silsden to hold two day sale fundraiser
Search for missing man continues
Skipton MP shares update on redevelopment of Airedale Hospital
Airedale Hospital charity hits the road for its fifth annual World Book Day adventure
Councillors “bored” of link road talk and want action
Local solicitors celebrate new Skipton branch
Skipton schools win awards for technology tournament
Information wanted after stolen vehicle crashes near Blubberhouses
Your Local Experiences earns thousands for local businesses in first month
Care home introduces new exhibition creating a new perspective on Dementia
Airedale Hospital launch their Easter appeal
Council shares update on Kex Gill realignment scheme ahead of June opening
Women invited to 'Strip back' for Skipton Parkrun for International Women's Day
Airedale Hospital marks milestone after over 100 people use cancer exercise treatment service
Skipton prepares for another successful pride
