York Liberal Democrats have selected long-standing community campaigner Ian Eiloart as their candidate for the upcoming Heworth by-election on 15 January, a pivotal vote that could end Labour’s troubled majority on City of York Council.

Full statement

Ian is a familiar face to local residents. As a regular volunteer at Tang Hall Explore Library, he has worked closely with staff, families and community groups to support a much-loved local service now threatened by Labour’s £600,000 library cuts. Through his work there, Ian has also seen first-hand how antisocial behaviour is affecting the library and the surrounding community and has been pushing for a more responsive approach from the Council.

Speaking after his selection, Ian Eiloart said:

“People in Heworth feel ignored. Labour promised a council tax freeze but delivered rises of over £200, pushed ahead with damaging library cuts and made a mess of transport decisions that have brought the area to a standstill. Residents deserve better.

“At Tang Hall Explore Library, where I volunteer, staff and families are struggling with antisocial behaviour, yet Labour offers little leadership. Libraries aren’t just buildings with books. They are community centres where people can come to keep warm, access the internet and socialise with other members of our community. But instead of supporting them, Labour is cutting them. On 15 January, voters can say ‘enough is enough.’

"If elected, I will work hard every day for Heworth and focus on the issues residents in the area tell us about every day.”

Many residents are rightly frustrated with a Labour administration that says one thing and does another, and some are turning to Reform out of sheer frustration. But the Liberal Democrats warn that Reform offers no real solutions to any of the issues facing Heworth, no plan for libraries, no plan for safer streets, no plan for fixing roads, and no plan for the local services residents rely on.

By voting for the Liberal Democrats residents will send a message against Labour's cuts and deliver real local change.

York Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Nigel Ayre added:

“Ian shows what Liberal Democrats stand for - hard work, keeping in touch, and getting things done locally. People are fed up with Labour’s broken promises and unfair decisions, but Reform simply isn’t the answer. Only a Liberal Democrat win will send a message to Labour that residents want to protect services like Tang Hall Library and want to end the gridlock.”