Wednesday 3 May 2017

Candidates confirmed to fight local seat


PARTIES are confirming their candidates for Meriden with just four weeks to go until Britain goes to the polls.
A lawyer and human rights activist has been re-selected as Labour's representative.
Tom McNeil (top left) had previously stood at the last General Election two years ago and it was confirmed yesterday that he would be on the ballot paper again next month.
In 2015, Mr McNeil came second in the constituency, with a vote share of around 20 per cent.
Meriden, which includes all of North Solihull, is a seat that Labour has held previously (most recently between 1974 and 79).
The current boundaries have tilted the balance in favour of the Tories, although the party did come within 500 votes of capturing the constituency during its landslide victory in 1997. 
In the 20 years since, Conservative incumbent Caroline Spelman has increased her majority, which now stands at almost 20,000.
Mr McNeil, who specialises in legal advice for charities, said that he was "extremely proud" to be selected to contest the seat for a second time.
Another candidate confirmed to be standing again is the Green Party's Alison Wilson (centre). The teacher, who has previously taught at Oaklands School, Smith's Wood, said she would be campaigning for decent jobs and affordable housing.
"Brexit is a challenge but also an opportunity," she said. "It's a chance to build a more home-grown economy based on small businesses based here, employing people here and keeping money flowing around our economy. Chasing overseas money and making big cuts hasn't helped anyone."
The Greens would hope to rack up a decent number of votes given their strong support in areas such as Chelmsley Wood, although they have traditionally polled less well in those parts of the borough where turn-out is much higher.
UKIP have selected local man Leslie Kaye (top right), who has lived in the constituency for over 20 years.
He said that he was a firm believer in local democracy and that improved transport links for North Solihull and protecting green spaces would be among his priorities.
"I am standing in this election to oppose our MP and councillors who are determined to disrupt our communities and concrete over our green spaces," he said.
"HS2 and the proposed 'Garden City' of high density housing will be a social and environmental disaster, bringing noise, dust and endless traffic delays during construction."
UKIP currently has two councillors in the Kingshurst & Fordbridge ward, but its national polling has fallen considerably in recent months - with many of its former supporters switching to the Conservatives.

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