YORK councillor James Barker has been selected by the Liberal Democrats as their candidate for the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner by-election next month.

The election on November 25 follows the resignation of Conservative Philip Allott in the wake of comments made following the sentencing of Sarah Everard’s murderer.

Cllr Barker, who has represented the Rural West York ward since 2019, is an armed forces veteran who deployed to Iraq three times and was also deployed in support of operations in Afghanistan on exercises and training tasks.

A spokesperson said he continued his military service as a reservist with 7644(PR) Squadron based at RAF Halton and was a Scout leader and qualified rugby coach.

Cllr Barker said:“Following Philip Allott’s resignation there is work to do to rebuild the trust lost with victim’s groups, women’s groups and the public at large. If elected, my priority on Day One would be starting the long process of making sure everyone can have faith that the PFCC listens to and supports victims of crime.

“I try to make a difference in whatever I do and my aim is to build a resilient, professional and diverse Police and Fire service representing and working for the people of York and North Yorkshire. I want to bring openness and transparency to its operations and make the case for adequate funding to be devolved to these services to tackle local issues.

“I have identified a number of key priorities across York and North Yorkshire and want to hear more about what residents view as the key issues and required improvements for local Police and Fire services.”