Who am I? I have personal experience of policing, having served as an officer in Leeds for 20 years.

Full statement

After joining the police cadets in 1973, I was appointed a constable in 1975 and later worked in the task force, Vice Squad, Special Branch and CID.

I then qualified as a sergeant and inspector, was firearms-trained and worked on several major investigations, including the serial killer Peter Sutcliffe case.

I received commendations from the Chief Constable and Crown Courts, as well as a meritorious National Life Saving Award.

I was awarded an exemplary service certificate on leaving West Yorkshire Police.

I went on to work for the Bank of Scotland, which later became Halifax Bank of Scotland and then Lloyds Bank, where I carried out investigations in the North of England for 10 years.

Since then, alongside running the sweet shop, I have worked tirelessly to support the business community and served as chairman of Nidderdale Chamber of Trade from 1998 to 2002 and 2014 to present.

I led a campaign to help Pateley Bridge win the title of Best High Street in the Great British High Street Awards in 2016.

I also chaired the Pateley Bridge in Bloom group which won the title of Best Village in the 2018 Yorkshire in Bloom competition and also this year’s Britain in Bloom contest.

I am a keen supporter of local charities, including Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Dementia Forward, of which he is a patron.

For my service to the community, I was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2018.

“Keith works tirelessly and selflessly in the interest of the community.” – Fatima Patel, owner Asian Sunday Newspaper

Local Pledges:

- As MP I will immediately negotiate with the Government for better funding for Skipton and Ripon. - Everyone in Skipton and Ripon to have a roof over their heads – no homeless in the constituency. - Support businesses to develop local economic development/regeneration especially High Street retailers. - Improve local public transport connectivity - As an Independent MP, make Skipton and Ripon constituency the best place to live, work or visit.

National Ideas:

- Every Crime and complaint will matter including retail theft – shoplifting. - Zero tolerance for crime and anti-social behaviour. - Free school breakfast clubs and school meals. - Lobby for free public transport for all under 18 years old. - Improve Social Care working with Government and social care organisations/providers. - Work with schools,colleges and Universities to offer courses to support those with or without qualifications including those trying to return to the workplace.

“I wholeheartedly support Keith and believe he would bring huge benefits for people throughout North Yorkshire.” – Ian Wilson, Ex Detective Chief Superintendent

As an Independent MP I will represent the views of the local community in Skipton and Ripon. I love my constituency and I am renowned for my community spirit and my work ethic.

“…Well-deserved MBE. It is an outstanding achievement which truly reflects the hard work and passion you put into the community.” – The Right Honourable Julian Smith CBE PC