A North Yorkshire independent councillor says he has joined the Green Party because their values align closely with his own.
The move by Councillor Mike Schofield, member for the Harlow and St George’s division in Harrogate, is the latest at the authority, which has seen a spate of defections and changes within the political groupings.
Cllr Schofield has been an independent councillor for the last two years after a short spell as a member of the Liberal Democrats.
He said: “Having spent two years as an independent, it gave me the ability to collaborate on many issues cross-party.
“During that time, I have found myself working alongside Councillor Warneken and the North Yorkshire Green Party on a number of local issues.
“I have found that their values align very closely with my own, going way back to my earlier years following politics.”
Councillor Arnold Warneken, chair of North Yorkshire Green Party, welcomed the councillor, who was already a member of the Green and Independents Group on the authority.
“It’s fantastic that Mike has decided to join the Green Party – and we are all looking forward to working together.
“I’ve got to know him well with our joint work on Rotary Wood, and I’ve learned that he will always stand up for what’s right, and get the best for his community.”
“The Green Party is offering a clear choice to those who feel politically stateless – and I think that’s why we’ve seen a big jump in membership numbers. We’re inclusive and unafraid to speak out about difficult issues.”
Cllr Schofield is a former business owner and ex-publican of the Shepherds Dog pub in Otley Road, Harrogate, which recently closed, with the landord blaming rising costs for the decision.
He added: “Having had to close my own business recently, I know how hard it is for Harrogate’s small business owners. I’ll fight their corner.”
Last month, opposition councillors declared that a “new political landscape” was emerging in North Yorkshire after the Conservative-led group on the authority lost its majority.
The decision by Oatlands and Pannal division councillor, John Mann, to become an unaffiliated independent member meant the Conservative and Independent group on now has 45 out of 90 members.
Cllr Mann’s departure follows last month’s defection of Cliffe and North Duffield councillor Karl Arthur to Reform.
Earlier this month, Councillor Rich Maw, previously an unaligned independent member, announced he had joined the Green and Independents Group, although he was remaining an independent councillor.
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