Local Liberal Democrats have selected the team of candidates who will contest the Dringhouses & Woodthorpe ward at May’s local elections.

Standing with Cllr Ann Reid, who has represented the ward in its various forms since 1986, will be Ashley Mason and Stephen Fenton, who hope to join Ann in representing the ward on City of York Council. Currently the ward is represented by one Lib Dem and two Labour councillors, one of who (Anna Semlyen) is not seeking re-election after just one term.

Cllr Ann Reid commented:

 “Ashley and Stephen live locally and so know the area well. They have the energy and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on the council. Local residents recognise the work that the local Lib Dem team does, and understand that with a larger team of councillors we can achieve even more.”

Ann Reid was first elected to York City Council in 1986 and represented Foxwood Ward until ward boundaries were changed in 2003, and has represented Dringhouses & Woodthorpe ever since. Ann was Lord Mayor in 1993/94 and was Executive Member for Planning and Transport from 2003 – 2008 and for Environmental Services from 2008 – 2011. Ann has been a member of the Planning Committee since 1988 and more recently chaired the Learning and Culture Scrutiny Committee. Ann has been a Governor of Woodthorpe Primary School since 1986 and is a Trustee of Mayfields Community Trust and a member of the Company of Cordwainers. Ann’s three children were all educated at Woodthorpe Primary and Oaklands School. 

Ashley Mason is 25 years old and has lived in York all of his life. His family home overlooks the Knavesmire. Ashley attended Knavesmire Primary, Millthorpe School and then York College. Ashley runs a successful small business in the city employing 40 staff. Before this he spent 5 years with North Yorkshire Police. As a young entrepreneur, Ashley wants to use his experience to help young people as they enter the world of work.

Stephen Fenton is 43 years old and has lived in Acomb since 2003 when he moved to the city to take up a new job. He currently works for the NHS. Stephen has been involved in a number of campaigns locally, including the fight to save the Beckfield Lane tip from closure. He has worked with Ann Reid over the past year on the campaign to protect York’s Green Belt from development. Stephen is a keen sportsman and is secretary of Poppleton tennis club, where he plays.