THE key parties vying to represent the new Bridgwater constituency have reacted to the Prime Minister’s decision to call a July general election.
Rishi Sunak made the surprise announcement outside 10 Downing Street on Wednesday evening (May 22), despite many expecting an autumn vote.
In his speech, Mr Sunak said: “Earlier today, I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of Parliament.
“The King has granted this request, and we will have a general election on July 4.
“This election will take place at a time when the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the Cold War.
“These uncertain times call for a clear plan and bold action to chart a course to a secure future. You must choose in this election who has that plan.”
There will be a new-look Bridgwater constituency after the election under changes approved by the Boundary Commission.
The winning candidate will now represent Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge, but they will no longer cover the Hinkley Point C nuclear site.
Bridgwater and West Somerset is currently represented by Ian Liddell-Grainger (Conservative) – who has been an MP since 2001 – but he will instead contest the new Tiverton and Minehead seat in July.
The latest polling from Electoral Calculus suggests Labour are the frontrunners with their candidate Leigh Redman, with the Conservatives’ candidate Ashley Fox predicted to come in second, followed by the Liberal Democrats’ Claire Sully.
But figures from YouGov project the Conservatives to win a close race with 27 per cent of the vote share, with Labour second on 26 per cent and the Lib Dems just behind on 23 per cent.
Here is what each of those candidates has said after Mr Sunak’s announcement. They are listed in alphabetical order by surname.
Mr Fox, a former Member of European Parliament who runs a consultancy firm, said: “I'm pleased that the Prime Minister has called a General Election for July 4, and I'm looking forward to the campaign.
“It’s time for the people to make a choice.
“The Conservatives have a clear plan to secure our future.
“Or do they want Keir Starmer and a Labour government raising taxes, increasing borrowing, and regulating every aspect of their lives?”
Councillor Redman, who leads the Labour group on Somerset Council, said: “Now that the general election is called, Bridgwater, Burnham and the surrounding villages and towns will have a clear choice on July 4 in a two-horse race.
“Leigh is the truly local candidate. It is time for change.
“This is a chance to turn the page on 14 years of Tory government and to chart a new course for the country.
“Nothing is decided, not a vote has been cast, I will work hard to earn the people of Bridgwater, Burnham, & surrounding villages trust.
“This chaos has cost the country and every corner of our communities dearly. Policy swings, wasted money, reckless economic decisions, Britain’s reputation damaged.
“I was born and still live in the middle of the new constituency. I am asking people to put their trust in me; I will be the voice of our communities in Westminster.
“The Tories crashed the economy and left you to pay the price. I will be on the doors asking voters to trust me, I understand the campaign will be hard, but I am up for the fight.”
Cllr Sully, who represents the Mendip South division on Somerset Council, said: “The Liberal Democrats are ready.
“With the Prime Minister having finally succumbed to pressure to call a general election, the residents of Bridgwater, Highbridge, Burnham-on-Sea and surrounding villages have the opportunity to choose a new, brighter future.
“I will be a new voice and a new direction for residents of the new Bridgwater constituency, with a promise to prioritise people.
“The Liberal Democrats, as has been shown with sweeping wins in recent by-elections and local elections across Somerset, are the main challengers here in Bridgwater, and I will strive to be the voice people need to ensure the best for residents across Bridgwater, Highbridge, Burnham-on-Sea and our surrounding villages.
“I have worked tirelessly within the constituency, standing up for residents and getting things done.”
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