Former Conservative Mayor selected as Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate in The Wrekin
A former Conservative Mayor of Wellington has been selected as the Liberal Democrats’ prospective parliamentary candidate in The Wrekin.
Anthony Lowe, who was the market town’s Mayor in 2019, is standing for election primarily because he believes The Wrekin needs "stronger local representation in parliament".
He now volunteers for the Wellington Cycle Delivery Scheme, which offers free delivery service from local businesses to residents, and is a trustee of Shropshire Cycle Hub.
Mr Lowe said: “When I talk to people across our area, I hear that they never see their MP, and the problems our local area faces are simply not being tackled by the Government.
“Conditions have declined locally for both farming and industry under this Government, and the tide has to turn.
"I left the Conservatives because it was clear to me that having a strong economy was no longer their clear focus, and things have only got even worse since then.”
He said he has particular concerns over the worsening conditions for local businesses, and the escalating cost of living crisis for local people.
Mr Lowe added: “I joined the Liberal Democrats because they are now the party of business and jobs.
“The Lib Dems want to remove trade barriers to make agricultural and industrial exports to our European neighbours easier and to develop an industrial strategy to incentivise businesses to invest in new clean technologies.
“With the rising population of our area, having a full A&E department will become ever more important. We need an MP who will stand up for our local NHS.”
Mr Lowe accused Labour of having "given up" on The Wrekin, as it was included on a list of "non-battleground seats”.
“It’s a straight fight between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives this time," he said.
“I am asking everyone who wants to see change locally to lend me their vote, as I am the only candidate who can beat the Conservatives at the general election.
“I hope to be an MP in the mould of Helen Morgan, who has shown Shropshire what genuine local representation looks like and how it is possible to beat the Conservatives in rural constituencies like ours.”
North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan has backed Mr Lowe’s candidacy.
Helen Morgan MP said: “I’ve known Anthony for several years now and I know that he is a genuine champion of his local community.
“Anthony will provide the strong representation The Wrekin so badly needs.”
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