Skipton and Ripon

Skipton and Ripon
County constituency
for the House of Commons
Boundaries since 2024
Map of constituency
Boundary of Skipton and Ripon in Yorkshire and the Humber
CountyNorth Yorkshire
Electorate77,541 (December 2019)[1]
Major settlementsMasham, Ripon, Settle, Skipton
Current constituency
Created1983
Member of ParliamentJulian Smith (Conservative)
SeatsOne
Created fromSkipton, Ripon, Harrogate, Thirsk & Malton, Keighley, Barkston Ash and Richmond (Yorks)[2]

Skipton and Ripon is a constituency[n 1] in North Yorkshire represented in the House of Commons of the UK Parliament since 2010 by Julian Smith, a Conservative.[n 2]

Constituency profile

The village of Buckden in Wharfedale

Skipton and Ripon is a constituency in North Yorkshire in England. It is named after its two largest settlements, the town of Skipton and the city of Ripon, which both have populations of around 16,000.[3] Other settlements include the towns of Settle, Bentham, Grassington, Pateley Bridge and Masham and the villages of Cross Hills, Sutton-in-Craven and Ingleton.

This is a large, rural and sparsely-populated constituency mostly taken up by Yorkshire Dales National Park and Nidderdale National Landscape. These are upland areas forming part of the Pennines, featuring moorland hills interspersed with dales and many small market towns and villages. Skipton is a historic, affluent town popular with tourists due to its position close to the Yorkshire Dales. The town has repeatedly been listed as one of the best places to live in the UK.[4][5][6][7] Ripon is a small, wealthy cathedral city; the nearby Studley Royal Park and Fountains Abbey attract many visitors. The rest of the constituency is also mostly wealthy and largely agricultural.[8] House prices across the constituency are generally similar to the UK average and considerably higher than the rest of Yorkshire.[9]

Skipton and Ripon has a large retired population and a low proportion of young and middle-aged adults.[10] Residents have above-average levels of income and homeownership and the child poverty rate is low.[9][11] They are generally well-educated and a high proportion work in the agriculture, business administration and tourism sectors.[9][12] The percentage claiming unemployment benefits is less than half the UK-wide rate.[11] White people made up 97% of the population at the 2021 census.[13]

At the local council, Skipton is represented by Green Party and independent councillors, Ripon by Liberal Democrats and independents and the rest of the constituency mostly by Conservatives. An estimated 53% of voters in Skipton and Ripon supported leaving the European Union in the 2016 referendum, similar to the UK-wide figure of 52%.[9]

History

The constituency was created in 1983 from the parts of the former seats of Skipton and Ripon within the county of North Yorkshire.

Before the 2024 election, it was one of the safest seats in England, formed from an area with a long history of Conservative representation and with a large majority of its electorate having in the last election voted Conservative. It was also the constituency in 1992 that when declared, saw the Conservatives gain the 4th straight majority since 1979 and John Major re-elected as prime minister.

In 2024, the Conservative majority over Labour was cut from 40.4% to 3.1%.

Boundaries

Historic

1983–1997: The District of Craven, and the Borough of Harrogate wards of Almscliffe, Bishop Monkton, Boroughbridge, Fountains, Killinghall, Kirkby Malzeard, Lower Nidderdale, Mashamshire, Newby, Nidd Valley, Pateley Bridge, Ripon East, Ripon West, Wathvale, and Wharfedale Moors.

1997–2010: The District of Craven, and the Borough of Harrogate wards of Almscliffe, Bishop Monkton, Fountains, Killinghall, Kirkby Malzeard, Lower Nidderdale, Mashamshire, Nidd Valley, Pateley Bridge, Ripon East, Ripon West, and Wharfedale Moors.

2010–2024: The District of Craven, and the Borough of Harrogate wards of Bishop Monkton, Kirkby Malzeard, Lower Nidderdale, Mashamshire, Newby, Nidd Valley, Pateley Bridge, Ripon Minster, Ripon Moorside, Ripon Spa, Washburn, and Wathvale.

Current

Under the 2023 periodic review of Westminster constituencies, the seat was defined as being composed of the following as they existed on 1 December 2020:

  • The District of Craven.
  • The Borough of Harrogate wards of: Fountains & Ripley; Masham & Kirkby Malzeard; Nidd Valley; Pateley Bridge & Nidderdale Moors; Ripon Minster; Ripon Moorside; Ripon Spa; Ripon Ure Bank; Washburn; Wathvale.[14]

Minor changes to take account of changes to ward boundaries in the Borough of Harrogate.

However, before the new boundaries came into effect, the District of Craven and the Borough of Harrogate were abolished and absorbed into the new unitary authority of North Yorkshire with effect from 1 April 2023.[15] Consequently, the constituency now comprises the following from the 2024 general election:

  • The District of North Yorkshire electoral districts of: Aire Valley; Bentham & Ingleton; Glusburn, Cross Hills & Sutton-in-Craven; Masham & Fountains; Mid Craven; Pateley Bridge & Nidderdale; Ripon Minster & Moorside; Ripon Ure Bank & Spa; Settle & Penyghent; Skipton East & South; Skipton North & Embsay-with-Eastby; Skipton West & West Craven; Washburn & Birstwith; Wathvale & Bishop Monkton (part); Wharfedale.[16]

Members of Parliament

ElectionMember[17] Party
1983 John Watson Conservative
1987 David Curry Conservative
2010 Julian Smith Conservative

Elections

Skipton and Ripon election results

Elections in the 2020s

General election 2024: Skipton and Ripon[18]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Julian Smith 18,833 35.2 −23.7
Labour Malcolm Birks 17,183 32.1 +12.9
Reform Simon Garvey 8,516 15.9 N/A
Liberal Democrats Andrew Murday 4,194 7.8 −7.4
Green Andy Brown 3,446 6.4 +1.7
Yorkshire Ryan Kett 627 1.2 −0.8
Independent Keith Graham Tordoff 493 0.9 N/A
Heritage Guy Phoenix 158 0.3 N/A
Majority 1,650 3.1 −37.3
Turnout 53,450 67.4 −6.6
Registered electors 79,251
Conservative hold Swing −18.3

Elections in the 2010s

2019 notional result[19]
Party Vote %
Conservative33,41658.9
Labour10,89919.2
Liberal Democrats8,63415.2
Green2,6934.7
Others1,1312.0
Turnout 56,773 74.0
Electorate 76,758
General election 2019: Skipton and Ripon[20]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Julian Smith 34,919 59.5 −3.2
Labour Brian McDaid 11,225 19.1 −9.2
Liberal Democrats Andrew Murday 8,701 14.8 N/A
Green Andy Brown 2,748 4.7 −1.7
Yorkshire Jack Render 1,131 1.9 −0.7
Majority 23,694 40.4 +6.0
Turnout 58,724 74.6 +0.2
Conservative hold Swing +3.0
General election 2017: Skipton and Ripon[21]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Julian Smith 36,425 62.7 +7.3
Labour Alan Woodhead 16,440 28.3 +10.9
Green Andy Brown 3,734 6.4 +0.7
Yorkshire Jack Render 1,539 2.6 N/A
Majority 19,985 34.4 −3.6
Turnout 58,138 74.4 +6.8
Conservative hold Swing −1.8

In 2017, the Liberal Democrats stood aside and endorsed the Green Party.[22]

General election 2015: Skipton and Ripon[23][24]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Julian Smith 30,248 55.4 +4.8
Labour Malcolm Birks 9,487 17.4 +7.4
UKIP Alan Henderson 7,651 14.0 +10.5
Liberal Democrats Jacquie Bell 4,057 7.4 −25.0
Green Andy Brown 3,116 5.7 N/A
Majority 20,761 38.0 +19.8
Turnout 54,559 71.6 +0.9
Conservative hold Swing −1.2
General election 2010: Skipton and Ripon[25][26]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative Julian Smith 27,685 50.6 +0.6
Liberal Democrats Helen Flynn 17,735 32.4 +5.8
Labour Claire Hazelgrove 5,498 10.0 −8.2
UKIP Rodney Mills 1,909 3.5 −1.1
BNP Bernard Allen 1,403 2.6 N/A
Independent Roger Bell 315 0.6 N/A
The Youth Party Dylan Gilligan 95 0.2 N/A
Virtue Currency Cognitive Appraisal Party Bob Leakey 84 0.2 −0.4
Majority 9,950 18.2 −4.8
Turnout 54,724 70.7 +4.6
Conservative hold Swing −2.6

Elections in the 2000s

General election 2005: Skipton and Ripon[27]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative David Curry 25,100 49.7 −2.7
Liberal Democrats Paul English 13,480 26.7 +0.6
Labour Paul Baptie 9,393 18.6 +1.2
UKIP Ian Bannister 2,274 4.5 +0.3
Virtue Currency Cognitive Appraisal Party Bob Leakey 274 0.5 N/A
Majority 11,620 23.0 −3.3
Turnout 50,521 72.6 +6.5
Conservative hold Swing
General election 2001: Skipton and Ripon[28]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative David Curry 25,736 52.4 +5.9
Liberal Democrats Bernard Bateman 12,806 26.1 +0.9
Labour Michael Dugher 8,543 17.4 −5.0
UKIP Nancy Holdsworth 2,041 4.2 N/A
Majority 12,930 26.3 +5.0
Turnout 49,126 66.1 −8.6
Conservative hold Swing

Elections in the 1990s

General election 1997: Skipton and Ripon[29]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative David Curry 25,294 46.5 −11.9
Liberal Democrats Thomas Mould 13,674 25.2 −1.8
Labour Robert Marchant 12,171 22.4 +7.8
Referendum Nancy Holdsworth 3,212 5.9 N/A
Majority 11,620 21.3 −10.1
Turnout 54,351 74.7 −6.6
Conservative hold Swing −5.1
General election 1992: Skipton and Ripon[30][31]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative David Curry 35,937 58.4 −0.6
Liberal Democrats Richard Hall 16,607 27.0 −1.4
Labour Katharine Allott 8,978 14.6 +3.4
Majority 19,330 31.4 +0.8
Turnout 61,522 81.3 +3.5
Conservative hold Swing +0.4

Elections in the 1980s

General election 1987: Skipton and Ripon[32]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative David Curry 33,128 59.0 −1.6
Liberal Stephen Cooksey 15,954 28.4 −3.2
Labour Timothy Whitfield 6,264 11.2 +3.4
Green Linda Williams 825 1.5 N/A
Majority 17,174 30.6 +1.6
Turnout 56,171 77.8 +2.9
Conservative hold Swing +0.9
General election 1983: Skipton and Ripon[33]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Conservative John Watson 31,509 60.6
Liberal Claire Brooks 16,463 31.6
Labour Margaret Billing 4,044 7.8
Majority 15,046 29.0
Turnout 52,016 74.9
Conservative win (new seat)

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ A county constituency (for the purposes of election expenses and type of returning officer)
  2. ↑ As with all constituencies, the constituency elects one Member of Parliament (MP) by the first past the post system of election at least every five years.

References

  1. ↑ "Constituency data: electorates – House of Commons Library". Parliament UK. 15 June 2020. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
  2. ↑ "'Skipton and Ripon', June 1983 up to May 1997". ElectionWeb Project. Cognitive Computing Limited. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  3. ↑ "Yorkshire and the Humber". citypopulation.de. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
  4. ↑ "Skipton is named second happiest place to live in Rightmove survey". Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  5. ↑ "Happiest Places to Live in Britain: Skipton and Harrogate named among best places to live in Britain by Rightmove". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  6. ↑ "Why Skipton, North Yorkshire, is one of the best places to live 2024". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  7. ↑ "Skipton in Yorkshire named happiest place to live in Great Britain". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  8. ↑ "Constituency data: Deprivation in England". commonslibrary.parliament.uk. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  9. 1 2 3 4 "Seat Details - Skipton and Ripon". electoralcalculus.co.uk. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  10. ↑ "Constituency data: Population, by age". commonslibrary.parliament.uk. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  11. 1 2 "Constituency dashboard". House of Commons Library. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  12. ↑ "Constituency data: businesses and industries". commonslibrary.parliament.uk. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  13. ↑ "2021 census results: Ethnic groups in your constituency". commonslibrary.parliament.uk. 4 July 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  14. ↑ "The Parliamentary Constituencies Order 2023". Schedule 1 Part 9 Yorkshire and the Humber region.
  15. ↑ "The North Yorkshire (Structural Changes) Order 2022".
  16. ↑ "New Seat Details - Skipton and Ripon". www.electoralcalculus.co.uk. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
  17. ↑ Leigh Rayment's Historical List of MPs – Constituencies beginning with "S" (part 2)
  18. ↑ "Skipton and Ripon results". BBC News. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  19. ↑ "Notional results for a UK general election on 12 December 2019". Rallings & Thrasher, Professor David Denver (Scotland), Nicholas Whyte (NI) for Sky News, PA, BBC News and ITV News. UK Parliament. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  20. ↑ "Statement of persons nominated and notice of poll" (PDF). Craven District Council. 14 November 2019. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
  21. ↑ "Skipton & Ripon parliamentary constituency – Election 2017" – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  22. ↑ "GENERAL ELECTION: Historic deal sees Lib/Dems stand down in Skipton and Ripon to make way for Greens". Craven Herald. 13 May 2017.
  23. ↑ "Election Data 2015". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 17 October 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  24. ↑ "Skipton & Ripon". BBC News. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  25. ↑ "Election Data 2010". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 26 July 2013. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  26. ↑ "UK > England > Yorkshire & the Humber > Skipton & Ripon". Election 2010. BBC. 7 May 2010. Retrieved 11 May 2010.
  27. ↑ "Election Data 2005". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  28. ↑ "Election Data 2001". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  29. ↑ "Election Data 1997". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  30. ↑ "Election Data 1992". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  31. ↑ "Politics Resources". Election 1992. Politics Resources. 9 April 1992. Retrieved 6 December 2010.
  32. ↑ "Election Data 1987". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  33. ↑ "Election Data 1983". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2015.

54°04′N 1°58′W / 54.07°N 1.96°W / 54.07; -1.96

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