A new councillor has been co-opted onto Ripon City Council.
Gary Camplejohn has taken up the vacant Ure Bank ward position following the resignation of Eamon Parkin earlier this year.
Mr Camplejohn is a Ripon resident and according to his LinkedIn profile works for renewable energy firm Harmony Energy.
He is also involved with Ripon City AFC and is the club’s treasurer.
Ripon City Council is a parish council and has limited powers when compared with North Yorkshire Council.
A by-election was not called after the resident who proposed one failed to get 10 signatures from people on the local electoral roll.
Instead, Ripon City Council invited CVs from residents who wanted to be a councillor and they picked the best of four candidates at a meeting on Thursday night.
However, Cllr Pauline McHardy refused to take part as she wanted to interview the candidates in person.
Cllr McHardy said:
“You can’t just go by a CV, there are other things you may want to ask. It’s wholly irresponsible to do so without seeing a candidate. You don’t just hire someone for a job off the CV, you meet them first.”
In response, council leader Andrew Williams compared the process to a normal election where voters don’t interview each candidate.
He said:
“Most members of the public have to cast a vote without meeting candidates. For many people in the recent mayoral election, all they got was a leaflet.”
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service after the meeting, Cllr Williams said he believes Mr Camplejohn has the qualities to make a good councillor.
He said: “He’s someone who has given military service, has children growing up in Ripon and is heavily involved in Ripon football club. He ticks all the boxes to help Ripon move forward.”
Local MP calls for children to be allowed to attend Great Yorkshire Show
Specsavers to host Halloween events in Ripon
Ripon Rotary President, 83, soars down 60mph zipline for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Harrogate running group supports women's campaign
Survey finds residents overwhelmingly reject Harrogate Spring Water expansion
Harrogate animal charity recieves huge donation from local business
Local sports coach launches free online sports courses for Harrogate children
Charity ball raises over £200,000 for children's hospice
Witnesses asked to come forward following fatal crash in Harrogate
New Cold Bath Road restaurant announces opening date
Kids eat free at Zizzi in Harrogate this half term
Ripon farmer trapped under tractor for 10 hours rescued by Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Entries now open for Harrogate's Christmas shop window competition
Harrogate crash leaves pedestrian in hospital
Saint Michael's Hospice to host its first running event in Harrogate
Quilting and Sewing Show announces return to Harrogate
Opening date revealed for Harrogate's new pizzeria
Harrogate girl set to appear in Channel 4 equestrian documentary
Knaresborough become first town in county to agree double devolution deal
How to take the fear out of fireworks, according to Harrogate vet
