Local MP Tom Gordon has called on the Government to debate candidate standards and party accountability following shocking revelations about town council candidate Anthony Murphy.
Murphy has been exposed for making homophobic comments, including calling homosexuality “intrinsically disordered” and claiming “AIDS is a disease spread by the depraved”.
The remarks were made both personally and via the Lumen Fidei Institute, which he is listed as a director of – with posts as recent as 2023.
However he still has the support of the local Conservative Association.
In Parliament, the Leader of the House agreed with Tom and urged Conservative members to act.
Tom Gordon MP said:
“Someone who publicly expresses such offensive views has no place in public life. If you can’t respect the people you represent, you shouldn’t stand for office.
“The Conservative Party must take action. Our communities deserve better.”

Pateley Bridge to host first New Year's Day cyclo-cross event
Harrogate MP welcomes government U-turn on family farm inheritance tax
Santa Paws: Festive photo competition winners revealed
DalesBus reveals timetable over Christmas period
Festive tractor run raises £45,000 for charity
CCTV appeal after Ripon shop theft
Yorkshire Vet Julian Norton meets fans in Harrogate
Santa delivers gifts to Harrogate children on all-electric sleigh
Rudy's Pizza set to open new Harrogate restaurant
75-year-old Ripon cyclist completes epic birthday challenge
Miriam Margolyes to visit Harrogate as part of upcoming tour
Towns must see benefits of any tourist tax, warns Harrogate MP
Police appeal for wanted man who could be in Ripon
Harrogate school 'takes Law into its own hands' with rare A Level course
CCTV appeal after motorbike stolen in Harrogate
Specsavers Harrogate hosts free after-hours clinic for homeless residents
Man charged following Pateley Bridge hit-and-run
Banyan in Harrogate set to close
Knaresborough boys 'devastated' after beloved cat goes missing
Knaresborough tug-of-war tradition to return on Boxing Day


