Meet the candidate: Hutton Rudby and Osmotherley by-election

There are only four candidates in the running to become the next local representative for the North Yorkshire ward.

The contest was triggered by the resignation of councillor Bridget Fortune.

The Labour Party have withdrawn the candidate they were going to stand in the election.

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Meet the candidates and what they stand for:

Allan Mortimer, Green Party

Allan Mortimer has emphasised his connection with the local area in his campaign literature.

He highlights the fact that he “works all year round” and has a “proven record of getting things done”.

Since 2016 he has served as Chairman for Hutton Rudby Neighbourhood Plan alongside a role as parish councillor since 2019. In 2021, he became Parish Council Chairman.

He said: “I work hard to help my community. For me, the most important job of a local councillor is fixing problems when everyday local stuff goes wrong.

“I’ve been doing that for years as a parish councillor.

“People ask for my help because I have earned a reputation for making a difference.”

Duncan Ross Russell, Liberal Democrats

Former army major Duncan Ross Russell believes he is the only person who can beat the Conservatives to the seat.

He served as a senior army officer in charge of 120 soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans conflict.

Since then he has worked on large scale public sector projects across the north of England.

He said: “Service is in my DNA both as a soldier and a Christian.

“I’ve become increasingly frustrated by the quality of our politicians – especially those in Westminster – who seem to have forgotten what service means.

“To me it’s about playing my part, about stepping up as a member of my community and helping each other to get things done for the good of us all.”

Mr Russell has outlined his three top priorities if he becomes a councillor for the area.

He wants to protect the community facilities and health services, fight for a better deal for farmers and see the roads improved.

Lee Derrick, Yorkshire Party

The Yorkshire Party candidate believes that the county has been let down by the Westminster government.

Lee Derrick wants to provide Hutton Rudby and Osmotherley with a "more independent voice".

He said: "North Yorkshire has been let down and ignored by the London government under all three large national parties. 

"It needs change.  As the Yorkshire Party candidate, I can provide that, while also representing Hutton Rudby and Osmotherley with a more independent voice than they can provide, putting the residents in the ward first.

"I want to see much better transport links for the area, improved health and social care and increased opportunity for younger adults to own housing, which is essential if we are to build a thriving rural economy and society.

"I aim to be a vocal champion for increased accessibility to local GP, health and social care services.

"Mike Jordan, who represents the Yorkshire Party in his Selby ward, has had success with saving and improving health services, and our Bridlington councillors have been fighting for years to keep health facilities there too.

"Vote for me and the Yorkshire Party and I'll stand up for your right to local healthcare and social care."

David Hugill, Conservatives

Mr Hugill, who will be standing for the Conservatives, has focused his campaign on specific issues in the community.

He has pledged to work on the lack of progress at the old Ingleby Arncliffe school.

If he becomes the councillor he promises to apply more pressure to Beyond Housing to get them to move faster with the project.

He said: “Looking ahead, I will continue to engage with the developer, the parish council and the local community to help progress this issue.

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“I am also continuing to work with our local MP, Rishi Sunak, on safety improvements on the A19.

“Our stretch contains many dangerous crossings and design work has been undertaken on crossings between Trenholme Bar and Ellerbeck and plans include new junction layouts and improved safety barriers.

“If you have any other local issues of concern you would like to raise with me, please contact me.”