PRESS RELEASE

FORMER LABOUR COUNCILLORS AMONG THOSE TO NOMINATE CAROLINE LUCAS FOR PAVILION

Former Labour Councillor: ‘I’m amazed at the number of residents Caroline has directly helped’

Julia Chanteray, President of the Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce, personally endorses Caroline for re-election bid

Two former Labour councillors are among those who have officially nominated Caroline Lucas for re-election in Brighton Pavilion.

Jack Hazelgrove and Joyce Edmond-Smith have both warmly endorsed the MP of the Year to retain her seat.

Jack, also former Chair of the Older People’s Forum, said Caroline’s impact was clear: “While calling on people I’ve been amazed at the number of residents who have been directly helped by Caroline or who know someone who has been,” he said. “How she combines a national profile with warm personal contact with local people is truly remarkable. We are fortunate to have her.”

As MP, Caroline fiercely stood up for the city’s local businesses, and last year accepted an invitation from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to become one of its Parliamentary Champions.*  Acting in a personal capacity, President of the Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce, Julia Chanteray, has endorsed Caroline – nominating her as the Pavilion candidate to back.

Adam McGibbon, Campaigns Manager, said: “Caroline’s been an outstanding local MP – even her opponents admit it. She’s shown what one honest, hard-working MP can really do - her track record speaks for itself and her constituents are very vocal in their praise. She’s stood up for them relentlessly and shone in Parliament.

“We need her to continue that work, being our independently-minded voice holding politicians to account and pressing Labour, in particular, to be the party its supporters really want to see it be – to stand by its pledges, have the courage of its convictions and do right by people, whether it’s on the NHS, affordable housing, cutting fuel bills or keeping public services in public hands.”

He added: “Caroline is consistently and strongly tipped to retain her Pavilion seat. It means the best way to keep the Tories out is to keep Caroline Lucas in – and every vote on May 7 will count.”

ENDS

Notes for editors:

*Last year Caroline was named one of the FSB’s Parliamentary Champions. As MP she consistently championed local small businesses, successfully reducing energy prices with changes in the law on contract roll-overs; leading the campaign for a reduction in VAT on tourism; helping to bring ultrafast broadband to Brighton; pressing for the small business rates relief scheme to be broadened, and speaking out for the preservation and rights of local pubs.