Andrew Gray from Harrogate is standing to be MP for Selby and Ainsty, using an innovative way of engaging with all the people in the constituency.
Harrogate man to be UK's first Member of Parliament candidate powered by AI An Independent candidate is standing to be MP for Selby and Ainsty, using an innovative way of engaging with all the people in the constituency. Harrogate's Andrew Gray decided to stand due to his dissatisfaction with the current state of British politics. He will use an AI system to engage with the people, to find out what they really want. The Polis AI system allows individuals to give their views on statements that are posed, but it also allows further statements and ideas to be put forward, and then voted upon, all anonymously. Andrew Gray said:
"I have previously used an AI system – Polis – which is a very advanced system for gathering, analysing and understanding what large groups of people want. "It is something that has been used in other countries to help shape politics for the better, and it will be the first time it is being used in a UK election. "Interactions on social media, as well as the mainstream media, suggest we are living in polarised times; that people don’t get along. This is nonsense. "Having used Polis throughout the UK, I can tell you that there is so much that people agree upon. I want to find these consensus points and use them as my policies. My only policy is to take my policies from the people! That’s what a representative ought to do."Andrew added:
"I am running Polis AI conversations in every town and village in this massive constituency, as well as a cross-constituency Polis conversation about national issues. All the data, which is anonymous, will be released."Nigel Adams announced on 10th June that he was standing down as MP for Selby and Ainsty Constituency, triggering a by-election on 20th July. The resignation was part of a group of Conservatives resigning, that included Boris Johnson and Nadine Dorries. Adams took the seat in 2010, having previously been a Labour seat. Andrew Gray said:
"In Harrogate, which is the neighbouring constituency where I live, I deployed Polis AI on the topic of a town centre development, as well as on a Default 20mph question. "Although both these issues appeared to polarise people, consensuses were easily found. Sadly, the consensuses were given little attention by the council.”Andrew Gray is a solicitor who lives in Harrogate with his wife, and children. In 2012, he set up legal firm Truth Legal that. heled before a management buyout in 2022. He has previously been involved as a Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat activist. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Harrogate woman's stroke at 37 inspires fundraising drive for vital charity
Harrogate MP calls for bus and rail fares to be slashed
Kittens with rare condition 'thriving' after community donates £1,000
Weather warning for strong winds issued ahead of Easter weekend
North Yorkshire Police to roll out facial recognition technology
UK's largest tractor festival revs up for 20th show at Newby Hall
Finalists revealed for Your Harrogate Local Hero Awards 2026
Popular Knaresborough salon celebrates first anniversary
Northern trains expected to 'run normally' this Easter, passengers told
Easter artisan markets to be held in Harrogate and Knaresborough
Knaresborough man receives award for 'outstanding commitment' to community
Harrogate charity reaches £30,000 milestone for families in need
Harrogate MP pushes for revival of £150 million railway upgrade
Rudy's pizza restaurant to open in Harrogate next weekend
Popular toys and gaming festival to return this weekend
Harrogate padel event raises £1,700 for two local charities
Harrogate endometriosis event raises £11,000 for charity
Harrogate MP says tourism levy must be 'spent and seen locally'
The Harrogate Club celebrates 140th anniversary
New bakery and café set to open in Harrogate
