Conservative leader William Hague has backed York by-election candidate Ken Creek.

Mr Creek, who has stood for election in Mr Hague's Richmond constituency in the past, was supported as the candidate for City of York Council's Monk ward on May 18.

Mr Hague said: "I am delighted that Ken Creek is the Conservative candidate for the by-election in Monk.

"I know Ken very well and urge the people of Monk to vote for him. If Ken Creek is elected, the people of Monk will, in return, be represented by a dedicated Conservative councillor who will bring common sense policies to the City of York Council."

Mr Creek, a Conservative member for 22 years, was nominated for the by-election after Labour councillor Peter Dodd resigned through ill-health.

It will be the second in the city next month after Ken Cooper resigned from Bootham ward, again because of ill-health. The Bootham by-election will take place on May 11.

Mr Creek today criticised Labour councillor and social services committee chairman Bob Fletcher after the revelation that nearly ten per cent of people receiving a council-run domestic support service had withdrawn following a price hike.

He said: "If they are unable to afford the charges now, how can they when their pittance of a pension increase and the council tax increase kick in?"

Mr Creek will be competing with Labour nomination Alistair MacDonald and Liberal Democrat Nick Blitz for the ward.

adam.nichols@ycp.co.uk

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