A RICHMONDSHIRE councillor has put his name forward for consideration for the MP for Richmond – and has already been told his chances of success by bookmakers.

Robin Scott, 30, from Leyburn, has announced his intention to put himself forward as a candidate for Richmond MP, and said he was amused at Ladbrokes’ odds of 5/2 second favourite for the position behind Wendy Morton at 2/1, and ahead of Selina Scott at 4/1 and Boris Johnson at 8/1.

Mr Scott is the current deputy political chairman of the Richmond Conservative Association but said he will soon be stepping down to take part in the selection process. He will also be stepping down as a councillor for Richmondshire District Council at the end of his first term.

He said: “This is something I have always wanted to do but I did not think it would be this soon.

“William Hague was the best MP Richmond could have so I didn’t want to do anything until he had officially resigned.

“I think my young age will be a benefit – William Hague was MP for 26 years so if I do succeed I will be able to give constituents the same consistency of an MP they enjoyed with him.”

Mr Scott said as a Dales man he understands local issues, such as affordable housing, employment for families in rural locations, and improving broadband.

He said: “I am excited to get started in this process – I want to be the MP for Richmond and I’m keen to make sure people are aware of that.”