There’s a by-election coming in York and it could tip the balance of power in the council.
The Heworth ward vote has been triggered after Labour incumbent Cllr Ben Burton announced he was standing down because he is leaving York for work.
The election will be held on Thursday 15 January.
The ruling Labour group now has 24 seats on the 47-member council, giving it an overall majority of one.
Opposition Liberal Democrats have 19 seats, with a three-strong Conservative group and independent Cllr Mark Warters also present on the council.
Labour would lose its majority on the council if another candidate wins the election.
Here are all the candidates declared so far, listed in alphabetical order by surname.
John Crispin-Bailey – Reform UK
Railway worker John Crispin-Bailey is a Wigginton parish councillor with a background in business and finance.
The parish councillor and chair of Reform UK’s York branch said many people in the ward felt ignored as community respect was eroded by low-level crime, anti-social behaviour and littering.
Mr Crispin-Bailey said January’s election may be the only chance to change how the council is run before 2027.
The Reform candidate said: “Residents are increasingly frustrated with traffic, road and parking issues.
“We need a clear Reform voice in Heworth ward, and in York. If every Reform supporter turns out to vote, we can achieve that – and remove Labour’s overall control of the council.”
Emma Dolben – Conservatives
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) teaching assistant Emma is a mother of three.
Ms Dolben said she was aware of the issues people faced locally including anti-social behaviour which has become one of the main problems in the ward.
She wants the council to be focused on delivering frontline services.
Cllr Chris Steward, Conservative group leader, said Ms Dolben was the ideal sort of real person who understood the real issues of residents.
Cllr Steward said: “I have no doubt that Emma will be a great councillor for Heworth and a strong voice for achieving a fair deal for the area.
“She is an excellent no nonsense Yorkshire woman with a strong family and career background .”
Ian Eiloart – Liberal Democrats
Ian said he would work hard if elected and focus on the issues raised every day by residents in the area.
He added he had seen first-hand through volunteering work that residents and staff at the Tang Hall Explore Library were struggling with antisocial behaviour along with the wider community.
Liberal Democrat opposition leader Cllr Nigel Ayre said Mr Eiloart stood for hard work, keeping in touch and getting things done locally, in line with the rest of the party.
Ben Ffrench – Green
Support worker Ben, 25, lives off Melrosegate with his wife Alice.
Mr Ffrench said he would be a fierce, independent-minded councillor who would hold the ruling Labour group’s feet to the fire if he wins the vote.
An active Green campaigner, he said he would focus on housing and youth services if he is elected.
The Green candidate said: “I’m not here for a participation medal, I’m in it to win it.
“I can’t promise everything, but if you want a fierce, independent minded Green councillor that will hold Labour’s feet to the fire, then I’m your man.”
Anna Perrett – Labour
Anna Perrett served as councillor for Heworth from 2019 to 2023.
Ms Perrett, previously a governor at Applefields School, said her experience of being a councillor would mean she would be able to hit the ground running.
She said: “Having campaigned for improvements to Glen Gardens park and play area in the past, I’m delighted to see the Labour Council has approved funding and that works will get underway very soon.
“It’s also great to see recent investment in a new Neighbourhood Caretakers Team, which has already been really well-received in Heworth.”
Labour leader Cllr Claire Douglas said Ms Perrett was an excellent local councillor when she was last in office and would be again.
Cllr Douglas said: “It’s great to see Anna selected to fight this by-election, she was an excellent local councillor last time and I know she will be again.
“It’s vital Heworth residents give her their support and ensure Labour continues to deliver for Heworth.”
