26/11/05 - Cllr Tomlinson Selected To Fight General Election

Swindon Advertiser 26/11/05

The next General Election may still be just under five years away but one of the politicians who will be battling it out in Swindon has already been selected.

Justin Tomlinson, who has been chosen to fight North Swindon for the Conservatives for the second time, is among the first three candidates to be selected across the country under a Tory fast-tracking scheme.

And the party thinks the move will help it win North Swindon from Labour MP Michael Wills come the election which can be called any time before May 2010.

Councillor Tomlinson, who is also the Conservative Councillor for Abbey Meads, said: "I am delighted to be given a further chance to represent North Swindon as an MP, having come so close at the last General Election."

"My wife and I are happily settled in Swindon and, while I realise it will be a real challenge to win in North Swindon, I will have four years' additional experience as a Councillor, combined with my energy, enthusiasm and passion for Swindon which will stand me in good stead to represent my fellow local residents."

"Swindon has the potential to be an excellent town and, working with the local Council and local communities I would be a strong MP putting my town first."

"I would like to take a lead on a number of key issues such as the regeneration of both our town centre and local estates, work with local communities to tackle anti-social behaviour through innovative youth initiatives and help support the local economy to provide secure, long term employment for the growing town."

Councillor Tomlinson was one of 11 Conservative candidates chosen by the national party after the General Election in May to be fast-tracked.  That meant the local constituency party was asked if it would want to select him for the next election at this early stage.

Councillor David Renard, (Conservative, Haydon Wick), North Swindon Conservatives Chairman, said the Tories were pleased to hang on to their candidate.

"Justin has worked incredibly hard in North Swindon both as a Councillor and leading our local campaigning," he said.

"Under Justin we have seen membership double in just 18 months, the huge gains in the 2003 and 2004 local elections, and the fantastic swing at the General Electio which saw Justin cut the Labour majority from 8,100 to 2,500.

"I know many Labour colleagues had hoped Justin would be rewarded with a 'safe seat' elsewhere.  This was never going to be the case, Justin has always been determined to stand in Swindon and represent his own town as a local resident."

"We have every faith tat he will be elected the next MP for North Swindon."

No other candidate has announced plans to stand in the constituency yet for other parties.