Local campaigner selected as by-election candidate

York Liberal Democrats have announced that Haxby resident, Richard Watson, will be their candidate in the Haxby & Wigginton by-election for City of York Council, to be held on 28th November. 

Richard has lived in Haxby for 40 years and recently retired from a career in the legal profession. He has previously represented the area for 21 years, both on Ryedale District Council and, after local government reorganisation, on City of York Council.

Commenting on his selection, Richard Watson said, “The local Lib Dem team has a strong track record of working hard for the community and keeping in touch all year round, and I want to continue that proud tradition. If elected, it would be a privilege to serve the area once again.

“I am looking forward to the campaign and to focusing on the issues of concern and interest to local residents such as improving access to GP and dentistry services and protecting our environment from the threat of over-development. I am also committed to ensuring that the schemes championed by the previous Lib Dem-led administration, such as delivering a new station for Haxby and securing the long-awaited dualling of the outer ring road, are delivered.”

Haxby & Wigginton Lib Dem councillor Andrew Hollyer commented, “Richard has a strong track record of campaigning and getting results on the issues that matter most to local residents – for example, he was instrumental in securing the traffic lights at the end of Mill Lane in Wigginton at what was previously an accident blackspot.

“If elected I am sure that Richard will make a real impact as an independently-minded local champion for the communities of Haxby and Wigginton.”