Andrew Jones (politician)

Andrew Hanson Jones (born 28 November 1963) is a British Conservative Party politician who is the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Harrogate and Knaresborough constituency since 7 May 2010. He has been a member of Harrogate Borough Council for the High Harrogate ward since 2003.^[2] In 2007, he gained more than half of the votes in his ward.^[3] He is a passionate cricket fan and has been a member of Yorkshire County Cricket Club for over twenty years and enjoys walking in the surrounding countryside. He chaired the influential Conservative think-tank the Bow Group from 1999 to 2000.^[4]

Career

Born in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, England Jones was elected councillor for the High Harrogate Ward in 2003. He soon rose to the council cabinet to be Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources. During his time in this role, Jones drove efficiency savings to the sum total of £5 million and has eliminated almost all of the council debt which he inherited. This was achieved by changing council policy to add an extra £1.2 million of added income. Moreover, this was achieved whilst freezing council tax. Andrew, hailed as a 'local champion' by The Times, has long supported many local campaigns such as promoting Fairtrade and protecting green open spaces against Labour housing initiatives. Most well known locally was his successful campaign to preserve the historical and iconic Royal Hall and Starbeck Baths, now thriving due to their restorations backed by Jones.

Member of Parliament

On 6 May 2010, Jones was elected MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough ending 13 years of Liberal Democrat control. He secured this with a 9.1% swing. Jones has dedicated himself to promoting a new high speed rail link connecting to London in Harrogate to promote commerce in the region. He also has campaigned to increase police presence on the streets, promote recycling, support pensioners and preserve the NHS in his area. Jones made his maiden speech in the House of Commons on 22 June 2010.^[5]

References