General Election: What have the Newark candidates done for the community — and why are they standing to become MP?

Ahead of voters going to the polls tomorrow, we asked Newark candidates what they’ve done for their community — and why they are standing.

Tomorrow ballots will be marked to decide who will be the next MP for the constituency.

But what have the candidates done for their community over the past 12 months, why did they get into politics, and why are they standing to become MP for Sherwood Forest?

Here’s what they had to say, in alphabetical order:

Saj Ahmad — Labour

“I’ve been working with the local Labour party here in Newark for many months, as well as talking to people in the area about what matters to them.

“I’ve backed the Labour-led local council’s work to reduce anti-social behaviour, which has resulted in a 41% decrease in crime in the town centre.

“I’m also supporting the campaign to increase the opening hours for Newark Hospital’s A&E services. This was downgraded by the Conservatives.

“I’m committed to being a local MP, who lives in the community and works hard for everyone.

“Following this year’s terrible floods. I’ve been speaking with local council leaders and have prioritised working with them to improve flood planning for the area.

“As a community worker, NHS women’s network leader and councillor, I have a track record of honesty and integrity, which many people feel is sorely missing in politics.”

Adrian Amer — Independent

“I got into politics because I wanted to improve the environment of the community.

“I was part of the Stop the Chop campaign. I am the only local candidate who actually has grassroots activist involvement in the community.

“Newark is such a wonderful community full of down to earth, caring individuals and they truly deserve the best that anyone or government can offer.

“This constituency is my home and I am proud to live and work here.

“In the last 12 months as a district councillor I have worked hard to progress the concerns of my constituents.

“I have helped solve pub licensing and tenant agreement problems, addressed flooding concerns, helped sort out garbage bins, solved boundary disputes, reported anti-social behaviour and minor and major crimes, dealt with car parking and street parking issues and helped very vulnerable women and children who have become the victims of sexual and violent attacks.”

Lyn Galbraith — Independent

“In the past year, I’ve been actively involved in our community as a primary school governor, daily litter picking during my morning walks, and providing pro bono interpretation services.

“Additionally, I coordinated a successful Christmas hamper collection for CAP (Christians Against Poverty) that runs out of my local church.

“This was incredibly well supported by the generous people of Rampton and blessed many of those in desperate need. I live in Rampton, making Newark my natural constituency.

“I decided to stand because I am fed up with listening to empty promises and not seeing enough action from our politicians that I decided, instead of complaining, I should do something.

“I deeply care about our community and genuinely believe I can do an excellent job of representing us in parliament.

“This election, especially as an Independent candidate, presents a unique opportunity for change and grassroots representation.”

Robert Jenrick — Conservative

“In the last 12 months, my hardworking team and I have been working flat out to improve the lives of residents here in Nottinghamshire.

“We have answered tens of thousands of pieces of casework and campaigned on key issues such as crime, anti-social behaviour, flooding, solar farms and fleecehold.

“I secured the £45m Newark Town Deal. It is funding regeneration in Newark and new opportunities like the aviation and engineering college.

“I’ve continued to work to improve education in Newark having founded the Suthers School, secured the rebuild of the Newark Academy, the Orchard School and the forthcoming rebuilding of Toot Hill School.

“On a national level, I've been the strongest voice in parliament on immigration.

“I got into politics because I believe in solving problems rather than just complaining about them.

“In my 10 years as MP for Newark, I have always put the constituency first.”

Robert Palmer — Reform UK

“I spent much of my childhood around Newark Market I have also lived here for most of my adult life.

“Arriving back in Newark in 2004 broke I rented the old Robin Hood Hotel car park.

“Since then I went on to have several car parks in and around Newark and make a good living.

“This makes me want to give something back, the more I see those that govern us heading down the disastrous green ideologies the more I read and understand we must challenge these false ideologies.”

David Watts — Liberal Democrats

“I got into politics as a student at university when the Liberal Democrats were first formed. I have been a member of the party ever since.

“The Liberal Democrats are all about getting a fair deal for people and a fair deal for our environment, and this sums up equally what I believe.

“I was a liberal from way before I knew what the word meant. I had the pleasure of growing up in Malawi in Africa, the worlds poorest country.

“Here I saw real poverty and inequality, and was struck from a very early age about the unfairness of it.

“I want to change that. My specific actions are usually through my church. We run a food bank and drop in centre for the homeless together with a charity providing clothes and furniture for those in need.”

All nine Newark candidates were invited to contribute their answers, however Michael Ackroyd (Green), Matthew Darrington (English Democrats), and Collan Siddique (Workers Party of Britain), did not provide a response.

The UK General Election is scheduled to take place on July 4.

The candidates confirmed for the Newark constituency are (listed alphabetically):

• Michael Ackroyd - Green Party

• Saj Ahmad - Labour

• Adrian Amer - Independent

• Matthew Darrington - English Democrats

• Lyn Galbraith - Independent

• Robert Jenrick - Conservative

• Robert Palmer - Reform UK

• Collan Siddique - Workers Party of Britain

• David Watts - Liberal Democrats