WORCESTER Labour councillor Joy Squires has confirmed she has put her name forward as the party’s candidate for the snap General Election on June 8, despite initially ruling herself out.
Coun Squires will again battle for the seat against current Conservative MP Robin Walker in a repeat of the 2015 General Election.
Mr Walker won a majority of 5,646 at the 2015 poll but despite the loss, Coun Squires said she was pleased to put her name forward once again.
“I have been completely taken aback by the number of local people who have contacted me asking me to stand again and pledging their support,” she said.
Her decision comes just a week after she told the Observer she wouldn’t be ‘putting her hat into the ring’ to fight the seat.
“I have also had fantastic encouragement from friends, family and Labour members who have asked me to stand again.
“Given the snap nature of this election, I simply couldn’t refuse,” she added.
“This election is a clear choice between a Labour Party who will stand up for Worcester and a Tory Party who are failing working people here.
“The Tories are taking the country backwards; despite Tory promises of ‘fairer funding’, our schools are seeing huge budget cuts, our local NHS is at breaking point and life remains a struggle for too many people in Worcester.
“People in Worcester need a Labour MP to stand up for them – by introducing a Living Wage of £10 an hour, giving the NHS the money it needs and funding schools and children’s centres properly so that our children get the best start in life.” she added.
