Frome reaction to general election announcement
Prospective parliamentary candidates in Frome have been quick to make statements after a general election was called yesterday (May 22).
Prime minister Rishi Sunak announced voters will head to the polls on Thursday 4 July, despite many thinking the election would not take place until the autumn.
Locally, the new Frome and East Somerset seat has taken in eastern parts of the former Mendip district, keeping Frome and the villages east of Shepton Mallet.
It also includes Midsomer Norton and Radstock, which currently form part of the North East Somerset seat held by Jacob Rees-Mogg since 2010.
Sarah Dyke was elected to be Frome's MP in the July 2023 by-election, but the Liberal Democrats have put forward Anna Sabine to represent them in the new constituency.
Responding to yesterday's announcement, she said: "I am proud to stand for parliament for my local area and am determined to give this constituency a strong voice in Westminster.
"The towns and villages in this new constituency have historically been taken for granted by their Conservative MPs.
"I will be a local champion who will fight to protect our waterways, save our health services and support local businesses.
"I want to continue the work of Sarah Dyke, until now MP in part of the constituency, who has been delivering every day for local communities.
"Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote for a fair deal. It's a vote for a party that will stand up for our community and our health services."
She faces competition from Conservative candidate Lucy Trimnell (who represents Wincanton and Bruton on the council).
"The choice in this election is clear. One of two people will be Prime Minister on July 5th: Rishi Sunak, who has a clear and bold plan to grow the economy and help secure our place in an uncertain world," said Cllr Trimnell.
"Or Keir Starmer, who doesn't have the courage, conviction or plan to secure Britain's future in an uncertain world and will raise taxes on every family, with at least an extra £2,094 for every working household.
"I am standing in this election to deliver for people in Frome and East Somerset by improving road safety, supporting local businesses and high streets, helping our fantastic farmers get a fair price for their produce, cut rural crime, and improve broadband and connectivity.
"The people of Frome and East Somerset deserve better than political grandstanding and talk, I am committed to delivering actual change for local people and I look forward to talking to as many people as possible before the election on July 4."
Frome also has a strong Green following, with local councillor Martin Dimery – who also stood in the by-election – expected to take a large number of local votes.
He said: "The general election will see a new constituency for Frome & East Somerset.
"We have already been campaigning and we know the public wants radical change.
"I'm ready to provide that change. We can win here."
Meanwhile Gavin Heathcote, who already sits as an Independent Councillor on Bath & North East Somerset Council for Peasedown St John, will be standing as an independent candidate.
"Party politics has let us down for far too long," he said.
"Whilst politicians in the major parties squabble over the next newspaper headline, it's the hardworking people in towns and villages up and down the country that lose out.
"Whilst those of us who work hard and pay our taxes struggle to make ends meet, we have a political establishment that has no idea how those of us in the 'real world' struggle to put food on the table and ensure the household bills are paid."
Meanwhile Labour candidate Robin Moss said it is "time for change of government".
"I'm proud to be the Labour candidate for Frome & East Somerset constituency," he said.
"Please vote Labour wherever you are - we need a change of government, a change of direction and I'd be proud to be part of that change as a member of parliament."
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