Our Candidate

Paul Blanchard is 29 and comes from York, where he has lived all his life. He lives in Heworth, the area he represents on City of York Council. At the Council he is Vice-Chair of ‘Leader’s Portfolio’ Scrutiny Panel, which covers the areas of Economic Development and Community Safety.

In addition to his duties as a local councillor, he runs a small marketing business. Paul started out when he was 17 with small adverts in the Yorkshire Evening Press and Gazette & Herald offering computer advice.

He is passionate about promoting entrepreneurship in young people, acting as Chair, York Area Board, of ‘Young Enterprise’ – and works with many local schools as a volunteer business advisor. Founded in 1963, Young Enterprise is a national business education charity, running class-based programmes for over 11,000 young people in the region’s schools and colleges. Students run their own real company, developing entrepreneurial skills for personal success and enhancing their employability.

Paul recently said: “Constituencies like Ryedale are often perceived not to be natural territory for Labour, but I disagree. Labour is a national party, and has done a lot in Ryedale despite not having an MP here. Everybody should be given the opportunity to vote Labour wherever they live, and I intend to fight to win.

“After all, being disadvantaged or dispossessed in the countryside, or in our market towns, is as lonely and hard an existence as you could imagine, without many of the support networks available in inner cities. If the people of Ryedale want an effective voice in Parliament, and someone who can effectively influence the government and speak up for their interests - they must vote Labour!”

When Paul is not working, he enjoys spending time at home with his wife Heather and their dog Sweep. He is also studying law part-time. He enjoys travel, reading, cinema, and music.

You can find out information on our local election candidates here.