Welcome to the website of Skipton and Ripon Liberal Democrats

Campaigning with Helen Flynn, Parliamentary Spokesperson

Helen Flynn campaigning with Nick Clegg, Deputy PM, during the general election May 2010

"You can find out more, including how to keep in touch or join the Liberal Democrats, on this site."

There is a long Liberal history in Skipton & Ripon - Claire Brooks came within 590 votes of victory in the 1974 general election for the Skipton seat, and David Austick won the 1973 by-election in Ripon. We are planning, and working hard, to return a Liberal Democrat as MP for our constituency.

Helen has many advantages: she was born and raised in Yorkshire, her home and life is based in the constituency and she has over 27 years experience - in business; of being an entrepreneur and; over the past 13 years, working in a variety of local and community roles. This includes running a play group, being a school governor, campaigning nationally for state education and running a household and small-holding.

Despite having only 4 months to plan and execute a campaign, Helen increased the Liberal Democrat vote by c 4,000 votes to increase our share of the vote by 5.8% to 32.4%. She is committed, if reselected, to stay as Skipton & Ripon's Liberal Democrat candidate and to campaign for the values that underpin the Liberal Democrat's manifesto - a fair and green economy, fair start for children, fair taxes and fair politics. She is delighted that so many of the manifesto promises we campaigned on will end up in the Queen's speech.

The Liberal Democrats do not underestimate the difficulties of coalition government but for the first time in over 70 years our fair policies will be put into practice and we have managed to stop some of the most egregious Tory policies, such as the inheritance tax give away to the most wealthiest families. And we can deliver on our flagship policy of lifting the income tax threshold up to £10,000 benefiting the working poor, many pensioners and giving the average family £700 in their pocket.

Finland's Arctic Strategy and the EU Thu 2nd Sep 2010 Diana spoke in Helsinki recently on Finland's Arctic strategy from an EU perspective. Speaking at a seminar organised by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs Diana began also by congratulating Finland's Ambassador for Arctic Affairs, Hannu Halinen and those involved in drafting the strategy. She stressed that she can't speak on behalf of all three EU institutions and also gave some background as to why a British parliamentarian is interested in these issues. Wallis stated that five years ago the Baltic Sea strategy took precedence in the "Northern Dimension" of the EU. It was Mr Stubb, then an MEP, that pushed for this, but now it is also right that we redress the balance and begin to focus on Arctic affairs.

Read "Finland's Arctic Strategy and the EU" in full.

Diana nominated for 'MEP of the year' award Wed 1st Sep 2010 Diana has been nominated for 'MEP of the year' award by the prestigious Parliament magazine.
Read "Diana nominated for 'MEP of the year' award" in full.

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