A YORK councillor is to be one of the candidates for the job of North Yorkshire’s new Police and Crime Commissioner.

Coun Ruth Potter, who represents the Heworth ward for Labour on City of York Council, has been confirmed as one of her party’s runners in the election for the role, to be held on November 15.

Coun Potter took on the post of cabinet member for education, children and young people’s services when Labour won control of the authority last May, but stood down last November, saying she wanted to concentrate on issues in her ward and have a “better work-life balance”.

She has also represented the council on North Yorkshire Police Authority. Labour will choose its remaining candidates through a ballot of party members this summer.

North Yorkshire County Council member Mike Jordan, who represents Sherburn-in-Elmet, has put his name forward to be the Conservative candidate for the commissioner’s role.

The Press understands Coun Ian Gillies, who leads the Conservative group on City of York Council, has also expressed an interest, but this has yet to be confirmed.