David Skaith

David Robert Skaith (born December 1985) is a British Labour and Co-operative Party politician who has served as Mayor of York and North Yorkshire since May 2024.

Early life
Skaith was born in December 1985. He was raised in Harrogate and was a keen cricketer in his youth before studying sport at York St John University.

Career
He moved to Brighton while his future wife studied to be a teacher before returning to North Yorkshire where he started a small business, Winstons of York menswear store, in York in 2015 and, in the same year, joined the Labour Party. He also served as the chair of the York High Street Forum.

Skaith resolved to get into politics after his father died during the Covid pandemic. He unsuccessfully stood for election for City of York Council in May 2023 before being elected as the first-ever mayor of York and North Yorkshire in May 2024. Campaign pledges included turning the A64 road into a dual carriageway, expanding affordable housing and more police and police community support officers.

Turnout for the election in North Yorkshire was 29.64%. Turnout was 29.89% for the combined authority area of York and North Yorkshire.

Personal life
Skaith is married to Alice, they have two children, and live in Wheldrake. His brother is a police officer in Harrogate.