LABOUR CANDIDATE: James Wilder

'The wings of our young generation are being clipped'

THE Newbury Labour Party has selected James Wilder as its candidate.

Mr Wilder – originally from Thatcham – works as a teacher at Park House School, having been educated at Kennet School.

He sits on the advisory board of an Olympic legacy charity, Spirit of 2012.

Mr Wilder says he will strive to put local concerns front and centre of his campaign.

Among these is the issue of poverty and insecurity in Newbury and West Berkshire, despite the region’s prosperous reputation.

Mr Wilder said: “Too many people in Newbury and West Berkshire are working long hours yet living precariously, pay cheque to pay cheque, struggling to find stable jobs in this, the wealthiest of regions.

“The wings of our young generation are being clipped by an underfunded education system and a 97 per cent reduction of spending in youth services in West Berkshire.”

Given his professional background, he is especially keen to draw attention to the state of the education system.

Mr Wilder said in his public statement: “As a teacher, I see inspirational young people every day with enormous potential, who face a future of rampant climate change, a lack of employment opportunity, an inability to get on the housing ladder and deepening inequality of opportunity.”

“In the most important general election of a generation, I will fight for the people of West Berkshire – for our schools, our healthcare, our environment and for our communities.

“Only by returning a Labour Government can we reinvest in our public services, establish a radical Green New Deal, and guarantee a re-nationalised NHS.

“I am asking the people of Newbury to come with me in creating real change that transforms society and builds a future we can be proud of, fit for generations to come.”