Who is Rowan Halstead? Yorkshire Party co-leader is Hull and East Yorkshire mayor candidate

Mr Halstead ran in the Dame Diana Johnson’s Hull North and Cottingham seat in last Summer’s election, picking up just under 1 per cent of the vote.

The Yorkshire Party’s policy is to set up a regional Parliament, similar to Holyrood in Scotland or the Senedd in Wales, which would cover the whole of the historic county.

Upon the announcement of his candidacy, Mr Halstead said: “I do not answer to London, nor do I adhere to the divisive national lines that have long held our region back.

“My loyalty lies solely with the people of Hull and the East Riding.

“For far too long, we have been ignored by those who prioritise their party’s interests over the needs of our communities.

“But now, we have a real opportunity to vote for a vision that puts Yorkshire people, Yorkshire jobs, and Yorkshire culture at the forefront of everything we do.”

His main policy is to end 5 per cent council tax rises and launch a local apprenticeship scheme.

Mr Halstead said: “I will champion open transparency in how public finances are managed.”