Lib Dems name ward nominee for Holgate by-election

Emma Keef, who works for a York charity which supports unpaid carers, will contest the Holgate ward seat for the Liberal Democrats.

Her decision to stand comes after Cllr Sonja Crisp announced last week that she was standing down after 11 years on City of York Council including a stint as the city's Lord Mayor.

Mrs Keef, who lives in Holgate with her husband and two children, has previously worked in community development, including managing arts projects for those living with mental ill health as as a support worker at York’s Children’s Centres.

She is also a trustee for York’s Special Care Baby Unit, the co-chairman of Friends of St Paul’s Primary School, and plays an active part in Holgate Scouts as well as the Friends of Hob Moor.

She said: “I love living in York, and particularly Holgate with its great parks and icons such as Hob Moor, Holgate Windmill and with the National Railway Museum close at hand.

“It’s a lovely community with such friendly people, and active residents who work together to tackle issues.

“If elected, I will continue the York Liberal Democrats’ strong record of protecting frontline services and I will be proud to represent Holgate in the council and ensure that the views of local residents are listened to.”

Since the creation of City of York Council, Holgate ward has only ever elected Labour or Liberal Democrat councillors.

As yet other political parties have not announced whether they will have a candidate standing in the by-election.

Cllr Crisp announced she was standing down on January 5 and told The Press her decision was partly down to a neurological condition, Willis-Ekbom disease, which can mean her limbs do not stop moving.

The 63-year-old was Lord Mayor of York in 2015/16 and had served the Labour group for more than a decade.

The by-election will take place on Thursday, February 15 and residents who are not currently registered to vote are encouraged to visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote before