Please note: With effect from 29 June 2026, the councillor’s usual residential address is withheld from publication under section 32(2) of the Localism Act 2011 (sensitive interests), in accordance with section 32A of the Localism Act 2011.
Our Councillors
John Gates (Chairman)
After working & living in Australia for seventeen years, I returned in 2012 with my family to live in the house in Wigginton that was my childhood home and was originally built by my grandfather in 1912. Some of the older generation will remember my father and grandfather who were the village butchers in Wigginton for many years.
Elected as a City of York Councillor in 2015 representing Haxby & Wigginton, I decided not to stand again as a City Councillor in 2019 due to work commitments. I worked in sales & marketing throughout my career and have had experience as a company director working both in Australia and in the UK. Now retired, I have more time to devote to Parish Council business.
I believe that my commercial experience, together with a passion for resolving local issues & City Council experience, mean that I genuinely have something to offer as a Parish Councillor in Wigginton.
Cllr Gates is Chairman of the Council and a member of the Finance Committee, the Haxby & Wigginton Joint Cemetery Committee, the Environment Committee and the Planning Committee. He is also a member of the Churchfield Open Space Committee and the Haxby and Wigginton Traders Association.
Register of Interests Cllr John Gates
Carol Runciman (Vice-Chair)
Having lived in Wigginton for over 20 yrs, Carol knows the area well. She has served on the Parish Council for almost 23yrs, has been the Chair, and still serves as the Chair of the Finance Committee.
After a long career in Further Education and Education Management, Carol became a city councillor in 1998 and is a member of the Liberal Democrat Group. She held the Portfolio for Children and Young People for eight years and now has the Portfolio for Adult Social Care and Public Health. Carol is strong supporter of local events and shops locally. She is a keen member of the new Haxby and Wigginton library and urges everyone to visit it if they can.
Cllr Runciman is the Chair of the Finance Committee.
Register of Interests Cllr Carol E Runciman
John Crispin-Bailey
Cllr Crispin-Bailey is the Council’s representative on Haxby and Wigginton Youth and Community Association and to the York Branch of Yorkshire Local Councils Association.
Register of Interests Cllr John Crispin-Bailey
Richard Denton
Born: Station Road, Haxby in 1951.
Education: Attended Ralph Butterfield Primary School, St Wilfrid’s & St Georges Secondary Modern.
Employment: Joined Cussins & Light in 1968. Worked for Dixons Photographic for several years in different locations in the UK, progressing from Salesman to Shop Manager. Joined the family business (Blackwell & Denton Ltd) started by my brother Michael. On Michael’s retirement in 1998 I bought the business and ran it until own retirement in 2008. Has lived in Wigginton since marrying Janet in 1979.
Interests: Enjoys salmon fishing, gardening, horse racing, history, football (lifelong Leeds United supporter) and has been a participant in York CIU quiz league for over 30 years. Co-opted onto Wigginton Parish Council in January 2012.
Cllr Denton is the Chairman of the Environment Committee and a member of the Finance Committee, the Chairman of the Churchfield Open Space Committee, a member of the Wigginton Sports and Playing Field Association and is a trustee of the Poor and Town’s Land Charity.
Register of Interests Cllr R Denton
Ian Dunlop
Cllr Dunlop is a member of the Planning Committee and represents the Council on the Wigginton Old School Trust and the Haxby and Wigginton Neighbourhood Plan Group.
Register of Interests Cllr Ian Dunlop
Pete Lakey
Born in Canada I moved to the south of England at the age of 11. I worked at The Cabinet Office for several years and was fortunate to be seconded for 2 years to the private office at 10 Downing Street.
My wife and I moved to her hometown, York, in 1988 with our elder daughter and our second daughter was born here. We have lived in Wigginton ever since.
My career then continued in Local Government until ill health forced my early retirement.
I served 20 years in the North Yorkshire Special Constabulary and was a Parent Governor at Wigginton School which both our daughters attended.
Cllr Lakey is a Member of the Finance Committee, a member of the Environment Committee, a member of the Planning Committee and the Haxby and Wigginton Joint Cemetery Committee.
Register of Interests Cllr Peter Lakey
Jonathan Leaf
Cllr Leaf is a Member of the Finance Committee and of the Environment Committee, a member of the Planning Committee and a representative on the Wigginton Sports & Playing Field Association.
Register of Interests Cllr Jonathan Leaf
Linda Pepper
I have lived in Wigginton for the last 37 years and my two children attended Wigginton Primary School (where I was a Parent Governor) and Joseph Rowntree School. I have worked in the Insurance Industry for the last 41 years and am now retired.
I was Chairlady for Wigginton Squash Club for 5 years and also served on the Committees of Wigginton Playgroup & Wigginton After School Club. My interests are Squash, Golf & Cycling and I am supporter/fundraiser for Mental Health & Cancer Charities. I am pleased to join Wigginton Parish Council and hope I can help resolve local issues and make a difference.
Cllr Pepper is a member of the Planning Committee and a member of the Haxby and Wigginton Cemetery Committee.
Register of Interests Cllr Linda Pepper
Jane Roberts
Cllr Roberts is a member of the Environment Committee and a member of the Haxby and Wigginton Cemetery Committee. Cllr Roberts is also a trustee of the Wigginton Poor and Town’s Land charity.
Register of Interests Cllr Jane Roberts
Stephen Laister
Register of Interests Cllr Stephen Laister