Our Harrogate Town Council Candidates

Our Town Council Candidates are standing because they want to make sure that our town is given the care and attention it needs. For too long North Yorkshire Council has ignored Harrogate and allowed our town to decline. We want to make sure that Harrogate has a new voice to stand up to the Council. 

We have six key things we want to see: 

SAFER STREETS 

FIGHT TRAFFIC 

BOOSTING OUR TOURIST OFFER

A TRUE VOICE FOR HARROGATE

A CLEANER AND GREENER TOWN

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE YOUTH

You can read more about our candidates below. 

Bilton Grange - David Allardyce 

David has lived in Bilton for 11 years. He both enjoys and appreciates our green spaces - and is keen to do his part protecting them as a town councillor. He's a scientist by profession - working in the industry for over 25 years, he has the experience working to solve problems both big and small. David recently ran a half-marathon, raising funds for local charity, St Michael’s Hospice. He enjoys exercising in his free time and enjoying the nearby countryside.

Fairfax - Jenny Traverna 

Jenny represented Fairfax on Harrogate Borough Council until 2018, and still lives locally in the ward. Many residents locally remember her fondly for her exemplary representation of
residents here. She's working with North Yorkshire Councillor Phil Broadbank to improve and care for the Fairfax area. 

Harlow - Graham Dixon 

After running a town centre shop for years, Graham has
retired - he has since been reconnecting with the local
community. With experience as both a parish councillor and
clerk, he understands local governance and the
challenges of balancing business and public service. Committed to local democracy, he advocates for
community decision-making and ensuring Harrogate
has an independent voice in dealings with North
Yorkshire Council in Northallerton.

High Harrogate - Chris Aldred

Chris has lived in Harrogate for 25 years. He's the current Charter Mayor of Harrogate 2024/25, elected NYC Councillor for High Harrogate & Kingsley since 2022 and previously Harrogate Borough Councillor for Fairfax 2018 – 2023. He's also currently a Trustee of Harrogate Theatre & Honorary President of Harrogate International Partnerships (Town Twining). He lives in Harrogate because it’s a wonderful community.

Hookstone - Andrew Timothy 

Andrew is the North Yorkshire Councillor for Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone. After many local residents wrote to Andrew, he submitted a motion to North Yorkshire Council aiming to tackle discrimination against those who are care experienced. Campaigning for a better neighbourhood, Andrew has had the fence at the end of Hookstone chase repaired and has secured investment to clean up the Willow Bridge in Hookstone Wood.

Kingsley - Josie Caven

Josie lives in Kingsley. As a deaf person, Josie has a personal understanding of what it is like to live in Harrogate with a disability. We need strong voices like Josie’s on the new Town Council - to make sure no residents are ignored. Josie is also a local mum, and understands the issues that
young families in Harrogate face, and she wants to use the Town Council and her experience to make Harrogate better for families.

New Park - Monika Slater

Monika has been speaking up for local families in our area on roads, missed bin collections, housing issues and dog fouling. She's also been liaising with Tesco on the build to ensure that nearby residents are kept informed and that the building is done as outlined in the planning permission. Monika has lived in Harrogate for over 20 years and has raised her children here. She is passionate about making Harrogate a great place for families.

Old Bilton - Andrew Kempston-Parkes

Andrew Kempston-Parkes has lived in Harrogate for over 30 years, is married to his husband Andy and has two children aged 18 and 19. Andrew for the last 14 years run a small firm of chartered surveyors, which now employees a dozen people. They carry out valuation work and surveys on Residential property.

Andrew has long advocated for Harrogate to have its own voice and the Town Council will be an excellent opportunity for us to promote this wonderful town we live in. Outside of work, Andrew is a member of St Peters Church, a trustee for a local housing charity and enjoys nothing more than walking his black Labrador (Lilly) and brown cocker spaniel (Freddie) at the path and river at Oak Beck.

Saltergate - Nat Slater

Nat was born and grew up in Harrogate, and has raised his family here. Nat has volunteered as a Cub Scout leader for over 20years, because he cares about opportunities for young people in Harrogate. Nat works as an IT infrastructure engineer and in his spare time produces music and DJs. He understands the importance of the night time economy and tourism in Harrogate.

Starbeck - Chrissy Holmes 

Chrissie is extremely active and present in the Starbeck community. For the last 20 years, she's helped organise the Starbeck Christmas lights for the last 20 years. She lives locally on Crossways Drive, and is backed by longstanding Starbeck councillor Phil Broadbank.

St Georges - Viv Poskitt

With 30 years in Harrogate and 25 as a local GP, Viv brings healthcare expertise, leadership, and a deep understanding of resident's needs. Viv is particularly concerned about the lack of services available for young people locally and feels this is detrimental to their wellbeing. She has been actively involved in fundraising and organising charity & community events. She has ties to hospitality & has worked closely with the police.

Valley Gardens - Edward Metcalfe

Edward lives locally in Valley Drive. He wants to see our town properly taken care of and not ignored by Northallerton. He also wants to see our town be able to have more of a say in its own affairs.