USE your vote – that’s the important message to Ryedale electors as they wait to have their say on the country’s future.

Attention is expected to turn to the Thirsk and Malton constituency once the political situation in Downing Street is resolved.

With every seat vital in the 2010 election, Ryedale has the potential to attract high-profile attention in the run up to polling on Thursday, May 27.

However, with the delay, concern has also been expressed that voter apathy may have set in and fewer people than usual will turn out.

Voting was postponed following the sudden death of UKIP candidate John Boakes last month.

The party has now put forward Toby Horton, 54, a small business developer who currently lives in Richmondshire but is due to move to the constituency later this year.

Mr Horton said it was vital people in the area voted.

“What happens here will have a huge impact on the whole country. The situation is so finely balanced that every single vote will count.

“This will also be the test of the new Government.”

Anne McIntosh, Conservative candidate, said: “People feel disappointed that they were not able to vote on General Election day but it hasn’t tarnished their enthusiasm to turn out on May 27. I have been buoyed by the support I have had with many people saying they are switching directly from voting Liberal Democrat, as they have in the past, to the Conservatives.”

She added that once the national make-up of the government was resolved, she was hopeful that several high-flying politicians would be visiting Ryedale to support her campaigning.

“People are telling me that they haven’t seen anyone else campaigning, certainly in the Filey area where I have been today.”

John Clark, the Liberal Party candidate, said the national exposure for Ryedale would be an opportunity to confront the political heavyweights.

“The London-based parties are at present fighting like cats in a dustbin all trying to get their hands on power.

“As the Liberal candidate I will not make pacts and deals with any of them. This is the chance to elect an MP that will represent Thirsk and Malton and not take part in their games.”

Labour’s Jonathan Roberts said it was important the postponement of the election did not put people off voting.

“While we did not get to take part in the drama of the national vote, local people’s attention will now turn away from the popularity contest of the party leaders and focus on the integrity, ideas and visions of the local candidates.

“While I believe that I have the integrity, ideas, vision and energy to serve our community, I also understand that ensuring people actually turn up and vote is far more important than who they actually vote for.”

Liberal Democrat candidate Howard Keal, said: “I hope people in our constituency will seize the opportunity we have been given to upset the apple cart.

“Weeks ago a newspaper in the north of the area carried the headline ‘Election Over’ and welcomed Ms McIntosh back to parliament. I don’t believe voters are prepared to be taken for granted.

“I hope disgruntled Conservative voters – of which there are plenty – will lend me their vote, and Labour supporters will vote tactically to help deliver a shock result in Thirsk and Malton.”


This is what the voters had to say

WITH the delay in Ryedale electors going to the polls the concern is that many residents will not bother to vote on May 27.

We spoke to voters in Malton for their views on the General Election.

Nick Fletcher, from Norton

I think we need a stable Government in place and we are in a tricky situation at the moment. I feel it is important people exercise their right to vote, but there is the danger of some apathy because the main election has taken place.

Brenda Scott, from Thornton-le-Dale

I was brought up to vote and think it is very important that everyone does use their vote as everyone counts and it can make a difference.

Ian Robertson, from Old Malton

I will still be voting as I think it is our duty to do so and I think it is important that everyone does the same.

Debs Woollin, of Easthorpe

I think everyone should vote as it is part of the democratic process and, if everyone had used their vote, we might not be in the situation we are in now.