The Labour Party has confirmed its candidate for the new East Wiltshire parliamentary constituency at the General Election expected this year.
Rob Newman, 42, grew up in Wroughton, south of Swindon, which falls into the new East Wiltshire seat boundaries.
He currently works in the advertising sector at a trade body which represents hundreds of household brands. As well as talking to government about the change that sector needs to continue supporting the growth of the economy, he works with advertisers to ensure that they are meeting challenges such as playing their part in tackling climate change, applying new rules on junk food ads, and building ways into the industry for people from all backgrounds.
As well as his private sector experience, Rob’s background in Labour politics means that he has an excellent understanding and experience of Parliament: he was a political advisor to frontbencher Liz Kendall, a spokesman for former Home Secretary David Blunkett, and was a key part of the staff team supporting the Parliamentary Labour Party – including attending Shadow Cabinet.
Rob has also run his own freelance business advising on communications and public affairs, is a school governor, and is on the Board of Trustees of Swindon City of Sanctuary, which promotes a culture of welcome and inclusion in the town, especially for those fleeing war and persecution.
Speaking after his selection as parliamentary candidate, Rob Newman said:
“I’m incredibly proud to have been selected as the Labour Party’s candidate for the constituency where I grew up and went to school. It’s a great privilege to have the chance to represent people across East Wiltshire.
“This is a new parliamentary constituency and it’s a chance for a new start after 14 years of Conservative rule.
“At the coming General Election I think people will ask themselves two big questions. Am I better off now than I was in 2010; and, does anything in Britain work better now than it did when the Tories took power?
“People can see the results of the last 14 years for themselves. The punishing cost of living crisis; the mortgage premium caused by Liz Truss’ disastrous mini-Budget; the NHS not just on its knees, but flat on its face; the sewage in our rivers; and the hollowing out of our Armed Forces. It’s no wonder that the polls are showing that the country feels it’s time for a change.
“Here in East Wiltshire, those polls clearly show that it’s Labour which is in the best position to challenge Danny Kruger. The huge Survation poll a few days ago put the Conservatives on 35.5% and Labour an incredibly close second on 32.7%, with the Lib Dems far behind.
“If you are tired of the rolling chaos of the Tory Government, and are looking for an alternative, then I’m proud to ask you to look at today’s changed Labour Party: determined to grow and green our economy; ready to reform our public services; standing by Britain’s rural communities; strong on defence and tough on crime.
“I’m looking forward to the campaign and to giving voters a real choice at the General Election – as soon as the PM plucks up the courage to give you your say.”
