Labour has chosen local resident Virpi Kettu as its candidate in the Skipton North council by election to be held on 22 March 2018.

Virpi, 43, is a digital media, design and film making professional. She was involved with Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and the Burn the Witch video for Radiohead. She is active in a local culture scene by organising the successful Skipton Girls Rock Camp with Selfa and as a founding member and director of Craven Arts; a charity connecting audiences with local artists and creative people for the benefit of Craven area.
Virpi lives and works in the Skipton North ward for and is an active member of the Skipton Labour party.
Before moving to England she has been politically and culturally active in her native Finland and in Canada as a dual citizen. She is passionate about championing inclusion and fairness for all ages and abilities in the society.
Virpi said: “In my life I have learned a lot about politics and communities by living in different countries and it would be truly remarkable to have the chance to bring that experience to bear here for the local benefit.

“Skipton is famous as a great place to live, and I aspire to develop on that splendid reputation with collaboration and listening to the local residents.
“The town council has an important role to play in the life of the community. Labour members of the town council Peter Madeley and deputy mayor Alan Hickman are doing a good job for the people of the town and I hope to join them and strengthen the Skipton North Ward and Skipton Town Council with a new voice.”

Virpi can be contacted at virpikettu@gmail.com