North Yorkshire mayor candidate: David Skaith

Labour's David Skaith is one of six candidates fighting to become mayor of York and North Yorkshire

David Skaith is originally from Harrogate and now runs his own business in York.

The Labour Party candidate also chairs the York High Street Forum.

People first is his guiding aim, he says

David Skaith says he has “one overriding aim” - to help build York and North Yorkshire’s communities and put people first.

He says this will be done by attracting investment and giving the region a fresh start.

The Labour candidate also says he would set up a Mayor’s High Street Fund to support small businesses.

A64 dualling and integrated transport are his aims

He says he wants to set up a system which integrates public transport, cycling and private vehicles.

Mr Skaith also wants to improve the use park and ride and active travel to ease congestion and cut carbon emissions.

He also supports calls for more of the A64 to be turned into dual carriageway.

He wants more police out and about in communities

Mr Skaith says he would push for York and North Yorkshire to get it share of the extra 13,000 police and police community support officers promised by Labour if the party wins the general election.

Those officers need to be embedded into the local communities they serve, he said.

He says affordable housing for the young is key

Mr Skaith says building more affordable homes is a priority.

Young people must be given the option to buy a home in York or North Yorkshire, he adds.

The candidate says if this is not prioritised the region will have an ageing population, with businesses losing their workforce.

He says more housing is also needed for elderly people.

In his own words