Liberal Democrats on North Yorkshire Council say they are aiming to take control of the authority in next May’s elections as they welcomed a former Green Party mayor into their ranks.
Ian Conlan, who served as Mayor of Malton for three years, has defected to the Liberal Democrats and announced plans to stand as a candidate in the May 2027 local elections.
The Lib Dems are currently the largest opposition group on the Conservative-led authority.
At present, the council has 90 councillors and no group holds an overall majority.
The Conservative and Independents group has 44 seats, the Liberal Democrats and Liberals 14, Labour 10, the Greens and Independents eight, North Yorkshire Independents seven, Reform UK five and two councillors are unaffiliated.
Mr Conlan, an environmental campaigner who has been involved in initiatives including the county’s 20’s Plenty campaign, said he believed the Liberal Democrats offered the best opportunity to deliver change across North Yorkshire.
He said: “The Lib Dems are the leading opposition on North Yorkshire Council, with a real opportunity to deliver fairer school transport, better active travel policies and greater community influence over planning decisions.
“Having led successful local initiatives, including the county’s 20’s Plenty campaign, I know the importance of turning environmental ambition into practical action.
“I believe the Lib Dems offer the leadership and governance needed to deliver that change across North Yorkshire.”
Mr Conlan also criticised the direction of his former party.
He added: “I am happy to be standing as a candidate in next year’s elections as part of the Lib Dem campaign to take control of the council.
“I have been frustrated by the direction of the Green Party of late; it’s simply not the caring party I joined in 2015. I’m glad to have found a new home in the Lib Dems.”
Councillor Peter Lacey, leader of the Liberal group on North Yorkshire Council, claimed that the party was building momentum ahead of the elections.
He said: “We’re excited to welcome Ian to the team ahead of next year’s Council elections.
“His experience, skills and energy will be a real asset to our growing team, bringing fresh perspectives and a strong commitment to delivering for local residents.
“I’m convinced that, working together, we can build on the momentum behind the Liberal Democrats and give voters across North Yorkshire a positive alternative, putting us in a strong position to win through in May.”
North Yorkshire Green Party has declined to comment on the departure of Mr Conlan.
Earlier this month, Cllr Kevin Foster, who represents Hipswell and Colburn on North Yorkshire Council and stood as the Green Party candidate at the 2024 York and North Yorkshire mayoral election, announced he would now sit as an independent councillor.
His departure follows controversy at the Green Party’s annual conference in Brighton, where members voted to classify Zionism as a form of racism.
The vote has divided the party, prompted accusations of antisemitism from Jewish organisations and drawn criticism from four of its five MPs.
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