A POLITICAL party for Yorkshire has joined a Europe-wide movement which brings together regionalist parties.

Yorkshire First has formally joined the European Free Alliance (EFA), which advocates devolution, self-governance or independence for members’ countries or regions. Other members include the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru.

Yorkshire First will initially join the EFA with ‘observer’ status for a year until full membership can be granted.Its leader, Richard Carter, said: “Yorkshire First is now part of a wider political movement of established parties where we share similar goals. More say for the regions is not just limited to the UK. We will work to influence better governance where power is at the lowest feasible level. Local and regional first – national and European where beneficial.” Yorkshire First is contesting Shipley constituency in theis year’s General Election.

Its candidate Darren Hill is standing against Philip Davies for the Conservatives, Steve Clapcote for Labour, Andrew Martin for the Liberal Democrats, Kevin Warnes for the Greens and Waqas Ali Khan for Ukip.