Harrogate Lib Dems pitch to Green supporters in North Yorkshire after controversial vote on 'Zionism'

"Leaving a party is never a small decision, and I respect that Councillor Foster has made his own choice in his own way”

The Lib Dems have made a pitch for Green voters in North Yorkshire after a councillor resigned his membership of the Green Party.

Responding to Coun Kevin Foster's resignation from the Green Party after the Green Party Conference adopted the "Zionism is racism" motion, the North Yorkshire Council Liberal Democrat Group said its “door is open”.

While respecting Coun Foster’s decision, the Lib Dems are inviting Green members and supporters to join them.

"Leaving a party is never a small decision, and I respect that Councillor Foster has made his own choice in his own way,” said Coun Peter Lacey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on North Yorkshire Council who represents Harrogate’s Coppice Valley & Duchy division.

“What I will say is that I'm ready to work with him, as with any councillor, on the things that matter to North Yorkshire residents.

"The 'Zionism is racism' motion has left many Jewish residents feeling anxious and unheard.

“That is not acceptable. Every community in North Yorkshire should be able to trust that their councillors see them, respect them and have their back, and the Liberal Democrats will always stand for that."

Coun Kevin Foster, who represents Hipswell and Colburn and stood as the party's candidate at the 2024 York and North Yorkshire mayoral election, has announced he will now sit as an independent councillor.

Coun Arnold Warneken, chair of the North Yorkshire Green Party, said he was disappointed by the resignation but respected his colleague's decision.

"While I'm disappointed that Councillor Foster has chosen to leave the Green Party, he still has my respect,” said Coun Warneken.

“I would like to thank him for his tireless work for the party, both on the council and within his local branch, where I know he will be missed.”

Coun Foster’s decision to quit the Greens will have little impact on the make-up of North Yorkshire Council which remains under no overall control.

Although the county’s political landscape has splintered in recent years, the Tories remain power as a minority administration with the largest number of councillors of any single party in the county.

Balance of power: North Yorkshire CouncilConservatives: 41 members

Liberal Democrats: 13 members

Independent: 12 members

Labour: 8 members

Green Party: 5 members

Reform UK: 5 members

Independent Unaffiliated: 1 member

Making a pitch for the Lib Dems to Green voters, Coun Lacey said: "If you joined the Green movement because you care about the environment, fairness and your local community, and you're now asking whether it still speaks for you, I have a simple message: come and join the Liberal Democrats.

“You don't have to leave your values at the door.

“The Liberal Democrats are a party that takes climate action seriously, stands against prejudice in every form, and fights for the local communities that make North Yorkshire so special, every single day."