The row over Ripon independent councillor Andrew Williams’ decision to align himself with the Conservatives on North Yorkshire Council continued at a meeting on Monday.
'Nobody has their hand up my backside!': Ripon's 'Tory puppet' row continues The row over Ripon independent councillor Andrew Williams’ decision to align himself with the Conservatives on North Yorkshire Council continued at a meeting on Monday. North Yorkshire’s Conservatives recently revealed that three independent councillors have formed a new Conservatives and Independents group to avoid the risk of the party losing overall control. One of the councillors to join the alliance is Ripon Minster & Moorside councillor Andrew Williams, who was elected as a Ripon Independent in May 2022 with 1,453 votes. Coun Williams told the Local Democracy Reporting Service last week that he made the decision in the best interests of the city and to ensure stability on the council. But the move has not been popular with everyone in the city as Liberal Democrat councillor for Ripon Ure Bank & Spa, Barbara Brodigan, then accused Coun Williams of being a “Tory puppet” and under the control of council leader Carl Les. Both councillors also sit on Ripon City Council and at the town hall yesterday evening Coun Brodigan argued that opposition parties already offer a stable alternative to the Conservatives before taking a veiled swipe at Coun Williams’ decision. Coun Brodigan said:
“All opposition groups — Lib Dems, Labour, Greens — on North Yorkshire work together regularly. That’s stability. "On a personal level I was elected as a Liberal Democrat by my residents and I remain so. I sit in my group and I vote with my Liberal Democrat colleagues.”In response, Coun Williams referred to the recent resignations of Harrogate councillor Michael Schofield from the Liberal Democrats and Scarborough councillor Tony Randerson from Labour and said opposition parties “seem unable to put together an alternative, constructive administration”. He added:
“I was born here, educated here and have resided here all my life. The decision I took to join the Independents and Conservative group is to ensure a stable administation for North Yorkshire and to get a fair deal in Ripon. “I remain independent and can vote on every issue that comes before North Yorkshire Council according to my conscience and will always do so. I have not and never will be a Tory puppet. Councillor Brodigan, I can assure you that nobody has their hand up my backside, the least of all the leader of the council.”By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Harrogate Michelin-star restaurant and top cocktail bar announce joint experiences
Lidl includes Harrogate on 'wish list' for new store
Yorkshire Air Ambulance appeal as fuel costs soar
The Kestrel reopens following refurbishment
Registration scheme introduced at recycling centres
Harrogate boy campaigns for inclusive playgrounds for disabled children
London Marathon: Harrogate MP smashes fundraising target and personal best
Harrogate and Knaresborough toy library receives council funding boost
Harrogate's Blacks store reopens following refurbishment
Gail's bakery confirms it will open in Harrogate later this year
Popular glamping festival returns to Knaresborough next weekend
Harrogate BID and Your Harrogate to deliver free social media training for businesses
Supporting Older People's summer ball returns to Harrogate
First look inside Ripon's new health and wellbeing hub
Harrogate MP: Small businesses 'simply cannot afford' shoplifting spate
New salon opens on Knaresborough's High Street
Horticap celebrates double win at Harrogate Flower Show
Harrogate headteacher shortlisted for national award
Harrogate woman wins full tank as part of Free Fuel Friday
Harrogate schoolchildren recognised for protecting wildlife
