The Labour candidate for Newark has accused MP Robert Jenrick of letting down the people of Newark.
Saj Ahmad will stand as the Labour candidate hoping to oust sitting Conservative MP Robert Jenrick from the historically Tory seat of Newark.
Yesterday (May 25) she visited Southwell market at 11am to get involved with the community and campaign for her position ahead of the elections.
“I think Robert Jenrick has actually let down the people in Newark and we need someone here who will genuinely represent people, be a voice for them, a strong voice for them in West Minster,” said Saj.
Her selection came following the shock announcement by Rishi Sunak on Wednesday evening to call an early General Election, in which the Prime Minister confirmed the country will head to the polls on July 4.
She added: “We know it is going to be a difficult task in Newar but I believe and I know you all believe that our people-powered campaign can win in Newark and will win in Newark.
“And the Tories may have their foreign donors giving them thousands of pounds for their campaigns but we have something much better than that, we have got people.”
Saj and Labour party supporters had a stall at the Southwell Market, to promote their policies.
Labour’s priorities going into the election are to stabilise the economy, invest in green energy, reduce pressure on the NHS, control border security and increase opportunities for young people as well as recruiting 6,500 more teachers nationally.
“Today is about hope and about the hope that only Labour can provide for the country.
“The labour government will make a real difference to people’s lives and what are we going to do?
“Turn Newark red.”
Members of the public in Southwell showed their support to Saj and her campaign, including the curious ones who wanted to learn more about her policies and what the stands for.
Clive Adams said: “I don’t anything about her yet but we will find out.
“We will need a change somehow.”
Friends Chris Cunningham and Michael O’Grady said: “I think she is great and she has every chance of winning.
“I would much rather see her get the seat than Jenrick, I think he is the worst.
“What he has done in immigration as a minister, I am appalled by it, so yes, I am fully behind her.”
Steve Dickman said: “She looks very competent, very good, it is going to be quite difficult in Newakr because Robert Jenrick has the majority but all hope there.”
Saj Ahmad is a Nottingham City councillor, who has experience and involvement with trade unions, and a day job working at the highest levels of government in the cyber security sector.
Born and bred in Nottinghamshire from a working class background, she said she was passionate about the issues that affect people in the area.
Southwell town councillor Jamie Bostock said: “It is really important for Southwell for Saj to be here because hse is a local candidate, she is Nottingham born and bread but also we know from the mayoral elections that people turned out and voted Labour in Southwell so we know a different future is possible for the Midlands.
“It is really positive that she is here to galvanize the community and to be present, unlike Robert Jenrick.”
