GREEN PARTY ANNOUNCES PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE FOR MALDON CONSTITUENCY

Following a full selection process including a postal ballot of all national Green Party members in the constituency, the Green Party candidate for the 2015 General Election in Maldon Constituency will be Bob Graves.

Bob Graves grew up in Thurrock, south Essex and lived there until 2001 when he moved to the Maldon District. He lives near Maldon with his family.

He has been a member of the Green Party for many years and has stood as a Green candidate in local elections throughout that time. 

Bob Graves said

“There are many local and national issues I am going to campaign on at this coming election. Locally I am concerned about threats to biodiversity. The Maldon area has superb wildlife and wild places – the Essex marshes and the bluebell woods around Braxted and Tiptree are particular local favourites. I have been involved for around 20 years on a more scientific level undertaking surveys of local birds, mammals and butterflies and, further afield, whales, dolphins and seabirds in British and European waters. It is vital that we protect habitats and species from over-development, pollution and other threats.

I am also keen to highlight the many serious issues that don’t get as much coverage as they should – for example the way society treats animals and the trade deals being worked up without voter consent such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) which would make trans-national corporations even more powerful than they already are, watering down environmental protection and threatening public services.

My family and I are keen supporters of local and organic foods, receiving a weekly vegetable box from an organic farm in the Maldon District and I am keen to see stronger local economies – more local manufacturing, recycling and renewable energy.

As Green Party candidate for Maldon I will firmly oppose any new nuclear build as proposed at Bradwell. We need to combat climate change and deliver a green energy future by leaving behind the expensive and dangerous nuclear era.” 

The Green Party is enjoying a surge in support. Membership has doubled in just a year and there are now approaching 40,000 members across the UK, an all time high. The party has also set itself the task of standing in a record number of constituencies, at least 75% of those available. A strong slate of candidates is already assured in mid-Essex with Green candidates selected for Braintree, Witham and Colchester and more selections underway.