North Yorkshire Council’s new deputy leader has pledged to make economic growth, business support and affordable housing central to the authority’s priorities after taking on one of its most senior political roles.
Cllr Mark Crane has been appointed as deputy leader, succeeding Cllr Gareth Dadd, whose retirement from the position was announced earlier this year.
The appointment was confirmed by council leader Cllr Carl Les during a meeting of the full council at County Hall, Northallerton, on Wednesday.
Speaking after his appointment, Cllr Crane said preparing North Yorkshire’s first countywide local plan would be the authority’s most significant task over the coming years.
The document, which is due to be adopted in autumn 2029, will set out where new homes, employment sites and business development should be located across the county and will shape planning policy for every community.
“I think that the local plan is without question the most important piece of work that we are undertaking,” Cllr Crane said.
“It will be the first time that we have a strategic document for the whole of North Yorkshire to guide development and planning policy, and it will affect every community in every part of the county.
“As the new deputy leader, I want to make sure that economic development, supporting existing and new businesses, and the provision of housing, and especially affordable homes, are at the forefront of our agenda.”
Cllr Crane will continue to serve as the council’s executive member for open to business, retaining responsibility for economic development, planning policy and tourism alongside his new role.
He joined local government in 1999 and led the former Selby District Council for two decades until the creation of North Yorkshire Council in 2023.
Council leader Cllr Les thanked outgoing deputy leader Cllr Dadd for his years of service and said Cllr Crane brought “an immense amount of experience” to the role.
He also announced that Cllr Peter Wilkinson has joined the council’s executive and will take over responsibility for finance, property, IT and technology, the portfolio previously held by Cllr Dadd.
Cllr Dadd, who has represented the Thirsk division for 22 years, will stand down as a councillor at next year’s North Yorkshire Council elections.
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