The Labour Party is going through its candidate selection process for the next Forest MP  who will beat our table-dancing incumbent at the next election.   I am thrilled to say that district councillor Tim Gwilliam has put himself forward for selection.   I am urging Labour members to vote for the Forester who will be able to beat Mark Harper, and that is Tim.   The Tories think that the Forest seat is safe in their hands – we believe otherwise. But only a really tough opponent with and a proven record of winning seats in the Forest will do.

Tim is both a parish and district councillor who works at grass roots level, helping folk with everyday concerns, but also has the strength of character needed to have the difficult conversations with those who stand in the way of progress and the best interest of Foresters.   He is a real Forester who comes from generations of Foresters; his Dad was a Labour man too.   Tim understands that progress and regeneration must come to the Forest, but always balanced with a respect for its unique heritage.

Tim is a doer, not a talker.   He is a founder member of FANS, and it was his idea to have Five Acres listed as a Community Asset, thereby protecting it from being turned into yet another housing estate.   He is chairman of the West Dean Parish Neighbourhood Development Plan, and he works with the elderly in sheltered accommodation.   I have seen him in action, and I know he is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to anyone who might threaten the future economic or social health of the Forest, no matter what their status.   I also know he is a listener, is approachable and not afraid of hard work.   From shovelling grit around his parish in freezing temperatures, to negotiating with Homes and Community Agency and Cabinet members on behalf of Foresters, Tim is the only candidate who has the energy, instinct, passion and experience in the field to win the Forest back.

I urge you to remember, on hustings day, July 28, that Tim has already won an election in the Forest – the largest Labour has had for years.   He has a proven record of beating the Tories and UKIP - and he has experience of working on the ground as an elected member.   He is already serving the Forest, and serving it in an outstanding way.

– Jane Davies, St Briavels.