Skipton Lib Dems split after local man is ditched

From the archive, first published Wednesday 6th Dec 2006.

SKIPTON and Ripon Liberal Democrats are said to be split after they ditched Craven councillor Paul English in favour of a barrister from Ilkley to fight the seat at the next election.

Coun English, who received the best share of the poll for the Liberal Democrats since the 1970s when Claire Brooks came close to winning the seat, said he was considering his political future.

But he denied his failure last month to discipline fellow Craven councillor David Heather for racist comments made at a union conference meant he had been "leant on" by Liberal Democrat headquarters.

"It was one member one vote, so I must accept the democratic process," said Coun English. He added he was bitterly disappointed and felt he was best placed to make inroads into one of the safest Conservative seats in the country and would consider his position.

Before the last election he had a chance to fight a more winnable seat and he may seek a nomination elsewhere.

"I am having a long hard think about where I go from here," he said.

The successful candidate is James Keeley, 37, a barrister who is married to Tracy, who is a professional violinist and is head of strings at Giggleswick School. They have a three-year-old daughter, Alexendra.

Mr Keeley said: "I am very fortunate to be joining a team of talented and committed people.

"We have experienced and hard working councillors and activists throughout the constituency. We are going to continue to listen to constituents and fight for their rights," he said.

But a Liberal Democrat from Craven of long service, said the constituency party was effectively split, with the Skipton side unhappy that a local man had been rejected.

He said the deicsion had "effectively handed the seat to the Tories without a fight" because building up support took time and grassroots activity.

"We have parachuted in an outsider and it's the worst decision we have ever made," he said.

Mr Keeley said he was brought up on a council estate and his family had to totally rely upon benefits.

"I know what it is like to have no voice," he said. "However, I was fortunate enough to have teachers who believed in me and helped me to get to university and then on to become a barrister.

"I want to ensure that everyone has a fair chance in life. I am determined to make a difference and to communicate to people that Liberal Democrats stand for freedom, fairness and justice," Mr Keeley added.