Conservative councillors have launched a petition calling for the York and North Yorkshire Mayor to pay for a controversial new logo out of his own pocket.
York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and Labour Mayor David Skaith were criticised this week for spending £31,360 on a rebranding exercise.
Political opponents including North Yorkshire Council executive member, Keane Duncan, who lost out to Mr Skaith at the 2024 mayoral election, said the new logo was a waste of money and questioned why it did not include a traditional Yorkshire white rose.
York Conservatives have now created a petition urging the Mayor to pay for the new branding out of his annual salary of £81,300.
The leader of the Conservative Group on the City of York Council, Chris Steward, said:
“Yesterday, David Skaith defended his logo as representing good value for money. Today, we’re putting that claim to the test.
“This logo costs more than most local people earn in an entire year. We think that the mayor should pay the money back from his huge taxpayer-funded salary, and so we’re launching this petition to give people the chance to have their say.
“Even if the cost of this logo had been much less, it’s ridiculous that David Skaith has managed to come up with a design which doesn’t feature any of the symbols which define York and North Yorkshire, including the iconic white rose.
“The whole thing is a vain, pointless, waste of money – and it’s time David Skaith was held to account for this madness.”
The Mayor has defended the expenditure however saying it is vital the organisation has a strong unifying brand.
He said he was “dedicated to ensuring value for money” and added that a strong professional brand would “support the authority as it sought inward investment, managed the region’s transport network and built safe places for all”.
For more details on the petition, visit www.yorkconservatives.co.uk/mayors-logo-petition
Owners say 'changes to business environment' led to closure of Burnsall Park
Burnsall permanently closes park
Skipton Town Football Club Invites New Players to Pre-Season Training
Woolly Sheep Trail launches across Skipton town centre
Yarndale Announces 2026 Workshop Programme in Skipton
Skipton children’s charity marks 15 years supporting 6,000 vulnerable children
Vehicle broken into in Silsden
Emergency services stage major training exercise near Skipton
Skipton podcast welcomes its fifth guest
Cancer support search for volunteers in Skipton following opening of new hub
BID to bring Yorkshire Day celebrations back into Skipton
North Yorkshire Council trials new pothole prevention treatment
Skipton to hold its first outdoor cinema
Skipton Businesses invited to free investment workshop
Skipton BID to work alongside MP to back VAT's The Problem campaign
Herriots Hotel to host Wear Pink Afternoon in aid of Breast Cancer Now
Skipton Mayor to open Whinfield Bowling Club's open day
BBC Masterchef runner up to open café bar on Sheep Street
Craven College celebrates excellent Ofsted report
Popular village pub closes with immediate effect after more than seven years
