THE Green Party has launched its General Election campaign for South Somerset, naming Robert Wood as their candidate of choice.

Robert has lived in or around Yeovil for all his life, having grown up on a farm as the son of a dairyman.

For the last 20 years he has worked in Yeovil at Honeywell Aerosystems.

Last month, he stood as the Green Party candidate in Yeovil West division, and he is currently a member of the Brympton Parish council.

Mr Wood said “I have lived in or around Yeovil most of my life. I would consider it a privilege to work for the people who live and work in this constituency.

"This area has so much potential, the best of town and country.

"My wish is to see it flourish and grow again after seven years of creeping budget cuts, forced on us by the Conservatives and their Liberal Democrat Coalition partners – the people that we trusted to look after our local jobs and services.

"Both parties have let us down. It is time for a change. Let's take back control of the public services and utilities that we and our parents paid for – reverse the creeping privatisation of our hospitals and schools.

“Our opponents say that a Green Vote is a wasted vote. I say, the only wasted vote is the one you didn't believe in.

"The days of tactical voting are over. We deserve better than this, voting for a party you don't like or believe in just to keep out a party you like even less.

"We need to reclaim our democracy, our freedom of choice, it's time to vote for the values you believe in and for the future you want.

“Other parties are in disarray. They are out of touch, out of tune and out of ideas. Some of their policies seem more suited to another century. The Green Party is united and forward-thinking in its vision.

"I invite like-minded local folk to join me in building a fairer, more sustainable, truly democratic Britain.”

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Alan Flint, spokesman for the Green Party Yeovil Group said, “We are delighted to have Rob as our candidate. He was a key member of Emily McIvor's campaign team in the 2015 General Election and has polled well in recent council elections.

"Support for the Green Party is growing rapidly, especially here in the South West where an election break-through seems inevitable at some point. Rob lives and works in Yeovil. His knowledge of local issues makes him an ideal fit for the job.”

For more information, email contact@southsomerset.greenparty.org.uk.