North Yorkshire Council Leader Faces Leadership Challenge from Keane Duncan

The leadership of North Yorkshire Council is set for a decisive vote this week as Conservative councillors prepare to choose their group leader — a move that could determine who runs the authority.

Councillor Keane Duncan has confirmed he will challenge current leader Carl Les for control of the North Yorkshire Conservative Group.

Key Vote on May 6

The vote will take place at the group’s annual general meeting on Wednesday, May 6. With Conservatives and aligned independents holding 45 of the council’s 90 seats, the result is expected to directly influence who becomes council leader at the next full meeting.

• If Carl Les wins: he remains leader of North Yorkshire Council
• If Keane Duncan wins: he is likely to become the new council leader

This internal vote is therefore critical to the future political direction of North Yorkshire.

Rising Profile of Keane Duncan

Councillor Duncan, who represents Norton, is one of the most prominent younger figures in local government. He became the UK’s youngest council leader in 2019 at Ryedale District Council, aged just 24.

Now 31, he:

• Was elected to North Yorkshire Council in 2022
• Ran for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire in 2024
• Finished second to Labour’s David Skaith

He also previously served as executive member for highways before being removed from the role by Carl Les in a cabinet reshuffle in June 2025.

Strained Relations Behind the Challenge

The leadership contest follows reported tensions between Duncan and Les after last year’s reshuffle.

Confirming his candidacy, Duncan said he had been nominated by colleagues and was looking forward to presenting “a positive case” for leadership at the AGM.

Long-Serving Leader Faces First Test

Carl Les, 76, has led North Yorkshire Council since 2015 and was awarded an OBE in 2023 for services to local government.

He described the leadership vote as an internal Conservative Group matter, stating he remains elected as council leader until the end of the current term.

This is understood to be the first direct leadership challenge he has faced during his tenure.

Why This Matters

This leadership vote could reshape decision-making across North Yorkshire, including:

• Transport and highways policy
• Local economic development
• Housing and planning strategy
• Council budget priorities

With control finely balanced, the outcome will be closely watched across the region.