A councillor from Craven has been formally elected as the first Chair of the North Yorkshire Council.
Cllr David Ireton, a self-employed butcher and farmer, was elected as chair at today’s (22 February) full North Yorkshire County Council meeting. He has served as the interim chair following the death of his predecessor, Cllr Margaret Atkinson, in November last year.
The new North Yorkshire Council will be launched on 1st April when seven district and borough authorities merge with NYCC in the biggest shake-up of local government in the county since 1974.
“I was lucky enough to serve as deputy chair alongside Margaret and her passing came as a huge shock and with great sadness to everybody who had the pleasure of working with her over the years,” said Cllr Ireton.
“I am honoured to be taking on this role as we launch the new council in April which will deliver many benefits. We now have just one set of councillors who will be accountable for all services, so it’s clear who represents each area.
“There’s also the prospect of a devolution deal in the coming year, which represents a huge opportunity to take on more decision-making powers. It is certainly a time of change for North Yorkshire and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Cllr Ireton has been a county councillor since 1999 when he won the North Craven by-election and currently represents the Bentham and Ingleton division. He is the county council’s nominated trustee of the Longstaff Educational Foundation, which provides funds for young people of High and Low Bentham up to the age of 25 to assist them with their education.
Cllr Ireton has been a Craven district councillor since May 1998 and is Craven’s member champion for Armed Forces and Equalities. He is also a member of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.
The new deputy chair who was also appointed at today’s full council meeting is Cllr Roberta Swiers, of the Cayton division. They will be in post until the May annual general meeting when a decision will be taken on a new chair and deputy chair.
14 year old boy dies in Keighley road crash
New acoustic lineup announced for Ilkley Pride 2024
Skipton events planned to mark D-Day 80th anniversary
Your guide to the elections taking place this week
Ilkley Harriers' charity races in Honour of former coach
Anita Lall appointed Principal at Craven College
Police step up patrols after vandalism in Glusburn
Wharfedale Scout District celebrates St George’s Day
Ilkley dental practice new Principle Trust patron
Classical music to stay at Ilkley & Keighley stations
Northern trains named among least reliable operators
One year anniversary for “invaluable” forces Breakfast Club
Date set for Ilkley's Annual Town Meeting
Medal haul for Ilkley Swimming Club
Be part of this historic moment in Ilkley’s story
Addingham man conducts wedding in German in Skipton's twin town
Visionary composer Andrew Wasylyk to perform in Ilkley this September
Calls to 'respect the moorland' following theft of signs on Ilkley Moor
Fourth event in the CAI series Your World, Your Vote
St George celebrated in Keighley
