Manifesto

For over a decade, I have had the privilege of serving our community as a dedicated councillor. My family and I have lived in Bilton, Harrogate, since 2006, and we cherish this community deeply.

I have chosen to become independent and step away from party politics for many reasons, primarily centred on trust, competent representation, and the need to prioritise local needs over party agendas.

As an independent, I will provide strong opposition and seek innovative evidence-based solutions with bipartisan cooperation to address local needs directly – not just in the short-term of the election cycle but in the medium and longer term of community needs.

I will be:

A strong voice for Harrogate and Knaresborough

A steadfast advocate for climate action

An ambassador for the local economy

A focus for community cohesion

A catalyst for change in health care

A fighter tackling the cost of living

My Key Pillars

Please click below to read each pillar of my manifesto.

Engagement, communication, community and creating our future together

I often hear it said that the government has done this or that to us. I believe the government should work for you. As your MP, I am here to serve and represent you. I will act with integrity at all times with your best interests at my core.

I will therefore:

Hold regular “town hall style” meetings in the constituency

Support the development of neighbourhood plans in conjunction with the local plan

Listen and serve locally

Hold regular surgeries

Meet with my fellow York and North Yorkshire MPS and the Mayor

Convene meetings of the key people or organisations that can provide solutions to local problems for example river pollution

Attend the Councils area constituency meetings

Attend full council meetings

Be an ambassador for Harrogate and Knaresborough

Support the formation of a Harrogate Town Council

To quote Albert Einstein,

“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

Bringing about change – it’s about thinking differently.

So, let’s think differently, let’s think independently.

Thank You!

Thank you to those that supported me.

Thank you to those that supported me in spirit but chose to vote tactically.

I congratulate and wish Tom well and that he proves to be dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Harrogate and Knaresborough.

I will continue as an independent councillor, committed to fighting for our fair share and advocating for the needs of my local residents.

Paul.