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19
Apr
The businessman tasked with winning Labour the North Yorkshire mayoral election
David Skaith is tasked with winning York and North Yorkshire’s mayoral election for Labour in under two weeks’ time.
The York-based businessman joined the party in 2015 after becoming “fed up” with the way the country was going politically.
Born and raised in Harrogate, Mr Skaith studied at York St John University and later set up his men’s clothing brand, Winstons of York, in the city. He has run the business for eight years.
After an unsuccessful campaign to win a seat on Labour-run City of York Council in 2023, he is now tasked with making the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire a Labour one.
In an interview with the Stray Ferret, he says he sees the role as one that is more business-orientated, rather than political.
He said:
Mr Skaith meets Lilla Bathurst, Ripon BID manager, on a visit to Ripon.
Mr Skaith, who is also chair of the York High Street Forum, has focussed many of his pledges on helping people and businesses.
Inspired by a similar scheme in neighbouring West Yorkshire, he has promised to introduce a cost of living support fund to help those who are struggling financially.
He has also announced that his term as mayor would also include a high street fund which will be designed to support businesses financially and strategically.
Read more:
- Stray Ferret chairs mayoral hustings event
- Mayoral candidates to take part in climate hustings in Harrogate
- Explained: How will North Yorkshire’s mayor work?
Mr Skaith says he is confident going into the election May 2.
He points to the resurgence of Labour in the national polls, plus the fact that the party has mayors in West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
Mr Skaith says he has spoken to and met with current Labour mayors Tracy Brabin in West Yorkshire and Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester during his campaign.
He said:
'I want to be Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and nothing else'
With under two weeks to go until voters go to the polls, Mr Skaith says his team will continue canvassing across the county — including in Harrogate, which traditionally has backed Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.
When asked why he felt confident going into polling day, he said that he hoped that voters would see him as someone who is passionate about the area.
The York and North Yorkshire mayor will be chosen by residents of the region in an election on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
The full list of candidates are:
- Keith Tordoff, independent
- Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Liberal Democrats
- Keane Duncan, Conservative Party
- David Skaith, Labour Party
- Kevin Foster, Green Party
- Paul Haslam, independent
We will feature an interview with Conservative candidate, Keane Duncan, on Monday.
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