Salisbury Labour selects Matt Aldridge to fight closest election yet

Friday, 29 March 2024 00:00

Army veteran and clean energy strategist Matt Aldridge has been selected as the Labour Party candidate for Salisbury at the next general election.

In a sign that voters are rethinking who best represents them, Labour is now projected to win Salisbury, according to Electoral Calculus and ElectionMapsUK.

Matt Aldridge, the Labour candidate, said: “I am delighted to have been selected as Labour’s candidate for Salisbury in the next General Election. We’re a community of kind, hard-working people who the Conservatives have failed on every front — from economic mismanagement down to profiteering during a global health crisis.

"Local businesses are closing. More and more families rely on food banks to survive a cost-of-living crisis. GP and dentist appointments are few and far between. And our heritage chalk streams — one of the planet’s rarest assets — are used for sewage discharges.

"Salisbury needs a stronger voice.

"My family has lived in Salisbury for generations. From doing 'bob a job' as a Scout to serving as Head Boy of Bishop Wordsworth’s School, chalk runs in my veins. I went on to serve my country for 16 years, from the frontlines of Afghanistan to the forefront of the climate crisis, as a civil servant. Now, I am ready to serve my home.

"As father to a young daughter, I know how hard it is to raise a family in a cost-of-living crisis. I’m registered partially sighted, so I’ve lived the frustrations of accessibility. As a clean energy strategist, I know what it takes to create a brighter future with clean jobs, a clean environment and clean politics.

"This election will be a close one. From what we see in the polls to what we hear on Salisbury doorsteps, it’s clear only Labour can beat the Conservatives in Salisbury. This is why I am asking you, no matter who you normally support, to lend me your vote.

"If I am privileged to be elected as your MP, I will not stop and I will not rest until we have won a better deal for Salisbury — one that gives back as much as we all put in.”

Tom Corbin, former Mayor of Salisbury and previous Labour Party Parliamentary candidate, said: “Matt is friendly, hardworking and passionate about Salisbury. His background and experiences along with his local roots make him a fantastic candidate, and would make him an outstanding local MP.”