General Election: Newark candidates’ profiles in their own words
Voting for a new MP in Newark? Here are your candidates and what they stand for, in 250 of their own words.
There are nine candidates for the Newark constituency. All were invited to contribute, however the Green Party’s Michael Ackroyd was unable to provide a statement.
The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Saj Ahmad — Labour
“This is the most important election for a generation. People want real change and the only way to achieve this is by voting Labour.
“With me, you’ll be getting an MP who was born, raised and lives in Nottinghamshire. I’ll be a strong local voice for Newark. I’ll act with integrity. I’ll live in the constituency and be on hand to represent our urban and rural communities.
“Labour is the party of aspiration. We aspire to rebuild the country after 14 chaotic years of Conservative failure.
“Newark is a great place to live and deserves investment, as well as the attention of a local MP to help it thrive economically.
“Labour’s mission for government is focused on being pro-business and pro-work.
“We will be the party of wealth creation.
“I will fight to keep our rivers clean and our environment safe for all.
“I will push to make life more affordable, championing the living wage and affordable housing for our young people.
“I will work hard on concerns that are specific to our area, from farmers grappling with red tape to households facing a cost-of-living crisis.
“I want to see a reformed NHS become the best health service in the world. With access to dentistry and mental health support for all.
“And I would like to see Britain respected on the world stage again.
“The choice on July 4 is clear: further decline with the Tories, or real change and hope with me, Saj Ahmad, and a changed Labour Party.”
Adrian Amer — Independent
“Are you feeling politically homeless? You’re not alone.
“The National Centre for Social Research recently dropped a bombshell: an alarmingly high number of us ‘almost never’ trust the British government to put the nation before their own agendas. Restoring trust in Westminster is imperative, and it begins with electing candidates who pledge to serve their constituents above all else.
“As your true Independent candidate, I am here to put your interests first.
“With 40 years as a criminal law barrister, specialising in prosecuting serious sexual and violent crimes, I’ve dedicated my career to community safety, ensuring dangerous criminals are removed from our streets. My zero-tolerance stance on crime is unwavering, yet my work has also given me deep insight into the struggles of veterans, wom-en’s rights, victims of abuse and the LGBT community.
“Newark is my home. Our roads are plagued with pot-holes, our medical services are under immense pressure, our waterways are full of pollutants and raw sewage and our greenspaces are disappearing. Farmers are struggling and many of you have felt first-hand the impacts of flooding. I grasp these local issues and have already been campaigning and supporting you as an independent district councillor.
“This election is a pivotal moment for Newark, Bingham, Tuxford, Southwell and surrounding villages. It’s not just about choosing a representative; it’s about reclaiming our voice and ensuring it resonates where it matters.
“I am not bound by party lines or hidden agendas. My loyalty lies solely with you.”
Matthew Darrington — English Democrats
“I intend to make Newark a proud town once again. The old parties have failed us. The economy is collapsing and our national culture and identity is eroding.
“On the issue of immigration, the old parties have flooded our country with migrants.
“I stand to fight for strict immigration controls and ensure the swift deportation of those who have entered our country unlawfully.
“The safety of British women and children is our priority. Illegal migrants threaten our security and cost £8m a day to house, with free GP and dental treatment for each detainee.
“Charity begins at home, put England first!
“Combating anti-social behaviour is another priority.
“Police should have a presence on our streets, concentrating on real crimes like the recent vandalism of our town library, rather than hassling people for politically incorrect social media posts.
“Increasing community bonding is essential. We must return to the foundations of communities built on shared values and mutual respect.
“To that end, I call for an end to rainbow flags in our public spaces, replacing them with the Union Jack.
“This is a necessary step to reassert our shared heritage and traditional values. The symbol of our nation must fly unchallenged, representing the unity and strength of the British people.
“Together, we can restore the United Kingdom to its rightful place of prominence and pride.
“Vote for Matt Darrington, English Democrats, for a future that honours our past and secures a future for our children.”
Lyn Galbraith — Independent
“Why are you voting? Is it a protest vote, a tactical choice, or simply a tradition? Perhaps you’re frustrated with established parties’ unfulfilled promises. Maybe you’re hesitant to vote for an unknown candidate, fearing your vote will be wasted.
“Whatever your reason, your vote is powerful. It’s essential to choose a candidate who will work tirelessly for you, rise to every challenge, and prioritise your interests.
“Are you ready to embrace change and vote for an independent? As an independent, I am directly accountable to you and adaptable to changing circumstances, locally and nationally.
“If you vote for me, I will be your voice, challenging poor policies and supporting beneficial ones. Unbound by party lines, I will advocate for new initiatives and collaborate with others for positive change.
“My commitment is to listen to you, represent your views, and act with fairness and honesty. It’s time to bring decision-making back to the people!
“Your participation is crucial. By voting, you are exercising your right to shape the future of our community.
“This is your opportunity to influence decisions that affect our daily lives, from local services to national policies. We can make history by electing an independent voice who truly represents Newark.
“Your vote for an independent candidate is a vote for accountability, transparency, and genuine representation.
“On July 4, vote with optimism and determination. Trust yourself to make the right choice for Newark’s future. Remember, nobody will ever know who you voted for.”
Robert Jenrick — Conservative
“For ten years I’ve fought for our area day in, day out, to improve our community.
“I’ve secured record investment in the constituency, including £600m for the A46 bypass and the Southern Link Road, £45m for the Newark Town deal and £1m for Tuxford village centre. I helped upgrade Newark Hospital with a new operating theatre and cancer services, founded the Suthers Free School and lobbied for the rebuild of Newark Academy, Orchard and Toot Hill schools.
“My hard-working team and I have resolved tens of thousands of pieces of casework, helping fight injustices small and large.
“In stark contrast to my ten years of service, Labour has just parachuted their candidate in from Nottingham fresh from the Labour Party bankrupting Nottingham Council. They have no understanding of the issues in our area, even campaigning to weaken protections against illegal Traveller sites. They are a hard-left candidate that would sit be-hind Starmer and Rayner and vote through the £2,094 tax hike on working households.
“A vote for Reform will only split the right wing vote and make a Labour MP more likely. I understand the concerns of Reform voters — that’s why I resigned as Immigration Minister on principle and campaigned form the backbenches for policies that actually work.
“With me as your MP I will continue to be a strong voice in Parliament fighting for secure borders, reduced immigration, common sense policing, efficient public services, dignity and respect in retirement for pensioners and lower taxes for workers and small businesses.”
Robert Palmer — Reform UK
“A vote for Reform is the most powerful vote you can make this election.
“All other parties are going down the pointless green agenda. All the other parties are committed to spend £10 billion a year on green subsidies, like luxury electric cars for the wealthy. Whilst at the same time putting 50% on the energy bills of everyone, this expense is proportionally greater for the less well off.
“The NHS only needs between £3 and £4bn, reinstating child support for mothers with more than two children would cost far less.
“The ending of child support for a third child is particularly egregious, this frightens our own mothers into aborting their children; whilst at the same time the other parties accept mass immigration.
“We should look after our own first.
“Reform’s policy to leave the ECHR is the only way we can become an independent country.
“Judicial decisions are often political. We saw this in the obstruction of Brexit and in deportation issues.
“The government’s veto over the courts abolished under Blair must be restored.
“This will put an end to overtly political decisions by the courts.
“In this parliament the BBC licence fee is up for renewal. This poll tax needs to be phased out.
“The BBC has abandoned its neutrality and is a state channel just like any other around the world. The only thing unique about the way the BBC is funded is that we must pay to watch propaganda.”
Collan Siddique — Workers Party of Britain
“I lived in Newark since 2020 - unlike some of the other candidates in this electoral race.
“Being married to a native of this great town, I have a lot invested in the outcomes that Newark provides in schooling, employment, healthcare and in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour. To put simply, I want the best for everyone who lives this constituency.
“I have three major aims across my 5 years in parliament as Newark's MP.
“The first is to investigate the planning of improved public transportation that connects Newark to Southwell, Mansfield, Nottingham and Bingham. This would allow the people of Newark to be connected to many hub sites more easily for employment and education beyond Newark, and as we all know jobs provide everyone the means to stay off the streets and to give back to society.
“Secondly, I would like to upgrade the services of Newark Hospital, so that it has an accident and emergency department and secondly a maternity unit. This would mean local people would have closer access to 24-hour emergency healthcare and maternity care within Newark.
“Thirdly, it is to upgrade the roads across the constituency My plan is simply to make Newark great again.”
David Watts — Liberal Democrats
“Honesty, integrity and compassion. Key British values I try and live my life by. Key values that seem to have been absent from British politics. I want to change that. It’s time that we had politicians who viewed serving their community as the pinnacle of achievement rather than thinking about what they can get for themselves and their mates.
“This election is unlike any other in recent times. We already know who is going to win. There is no doubt Labour will form the next government and nothing we do in Newark will change that. The big question locally then is who is the best person to represent us? Who can most effectively be our voice in parliament?
“I’m standing for parliament because I genuinely want to, and believe I can, serve our community. I know my party won’t form the government so I’m not looking for that sort of personal power. What I do want to do is to help create a better, more caring community for all of us.
“If elected I will champion the NHS, to fight to make sure that services in Newark are protected and enhanced, and that we also provide high quality care for those needing it when they leave hospital. I’ll also fight to stop climate change. We owe it to future generations to do that. This doesn’t mean indiscriminate development but proper planning so that we all benefit.
“I would be honoured if you would vote for me on July 4th."
