Local MP Tom Gordon has called on the Government to debate candidate standards and party accountability following shocking revelations about town council candidate Anthony Murphy.
Murphy has been exposed for making homophobic comments, including calling homosexuality “intrinsically disordered” and claiming “AIDS is a disease spread by the depraved”.
The remarks were made both personally and via the Lumen Fidei Institute, which he is listed as a director of – with posts as recent as 2023.
However he still has the support of the local Conservative Association.
In Parliament, the Leader of the House agreed with Tom and urged Conservative members to act.
Tom Gordon MP said:
“Someone who publicly expresses such offensive views has no place in public life. If you can’t respect the people you represent, you shouldn’t stand for office.
“The Conservative Party must take action. Our communities deserve better.”

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP marks 20,000th case
Flavours of Autumn festival to be held at RHS Harlow Carr
Le Creuset cookware sale returns to Harrogate
Council pension fund breaches could be reported to regulator
Volunteers invited to help spruce up Harrogate town centre
Police appeal after three overnight burglaries in Nidderdale
Driver admits drink-driving following fatal Pateley Bridge collision
Harrogate community groups invited to apply for share of £74,000
North Yorkshire Council-owned housing company forecast to lose another £5.8m
New York rock band to play intimate Harrogate show
First rides announced for Harrogate Indoor Funfair
Knaresborough puzzle campaign aims to tackle loneliness
Cricket pavilion destroyed by fire at Studley Royal
Ripon MP urges Prime Minister to scrap 'Family Farm Tax'
Artisan markets return to Knaresborough and Harrogate this weekend
Harrogate MP calls for VAT cut to support hospitality businesses
CCTV appeal following assault at Harrogate Tesco
Council criticised over Knaresborough EE signal delays
Prime Minister praises Harrogate MP over disabled bus pass win
Harrogate Town sign Torquay defender Sam Dreyer


