The Green Party has announced that Matt Follett has been selected fight for the Leicester South seat in the forthcoming General Election on 5th May.Matt launched his election campaign today with a promise to instil trust and honesty back into politics and to address voter apathy in the region and made a vow to fight the seat on key platforms about pensions, public services and the environment.
“The trouble with political parties today is that voters don’t see any difference between them,” Matt said. “The good thing about the Green Party is that our policies are fundamentally different – we take a long term rather than short term approach to policies that really invest in our future and quality of life. For example, we are the only party that has consistently raised questions and provided alternative policies to issues such as the use of private sector funds in areas of health and education”.
Matt, 33 years old and a lecturer in Criminology, has lived in the city for eight years and is a prominent member of the local community. He has previously stood in local elections, is a member of the Leicester Social Forum and was recently voted in as Secretary of Highfields’ Community Association.
Matt continues, "What matters to people today is that they feel safe, that they have good local provision of public services and that they feel that Government at all levels can be held to account. Unfortunately this isn't happening. The Green Party offers an alternative – we want better public transport, decent pension plans for all and a more responsible attitude to the resources of the planet. This means being honest about the problems and taking the necessary action."
The Green Party announced that it is fielding 25% more candidates at this election – a result of a rise in support for the Green Party’s policies and a reflection of the disillusionment with the present Government. It intends to contest around 200 seats and will launch its Westminster general election manifesto on Tuesday 12th April.
Matthew concluded, “It is a disgrace that this country went to war on false pretences and no one has taken responsibility for that. This election is a chance to make Tony Blair take responsibility and to send a strong message about the kind of society we want for ourselves and our children."