Candidates in Leicester South have set out why they believe they deserve your vote. With the General Election looming, LeicestershireLive has approached parliamentary hopefuls across Leicester and Leicestershire’s 10 constituencies to give them a chance to address local voters.
In the south of the city, nine candidates are vying for your backing when the country votes on Thursday, July 4. Among them is Jonathan Ashworth who has represented the constituency in Westminster since 2011.
He was appointed shadow paymaster general in Sir Keir Starmer’s cabinet in September. Labour is currently predicted to hold the seat when the country goes to the polls.
READ MORE:All the Leicester and Leicestershire General Election 2024 candidates
Mr Ashworth will be going up against candidates from the Conservative Party, the Greens, the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, the Official Monster Raving Loony Party and the Communist Party. Two independent candidates are also vying for the seat. Find out what your candidates have to say below.
Independent candidate Shockat Adam
“Leicester has been my home, my inspiration, and my foundation since I was young. It’s where I built my business, raised my family, and found my purpose. This city has given me so much and now I want to give back.
“I understand our city’s heartbeat and feel its frustrations. Too many people feel left behind by what established political parties offer and how they respond to our concerns. Further austerity is not the answer. We will not realise Leicester’s potential if we are led by parties that seek to divide us or put their own needs ahead of ours.
“Our city needs a new approach. There is an alternative. I chose to stand as an independent candidate because I believe in the power of unity. If we work together, there is no limit to what we can achieve for Leicester.
“From Sudan to Gaza, our calls for peace on a global scale have yet to be addressed. If I am elected, they will be heard.
“In Leicester itself, we must reverse growing inequality and the cost of living crisis, support the NHS, and create opportunities for our young people. There are many more issues, and we will face them together with new thinking.
“I will work with you to understand your experiences and harness your ideas for addressing our challenges. We will shape Leicester’s future, not those who believe they sit above us. If you vote for me on July 4, you will see yourself in your elected representative.”
Labour candidate Jonathan Ashworth
“The NHS is in crisis after 14 years of the Tories. People here in Leicester wait longer for treatment. Our young people struggle to access decent mental health care. It’s difficult to see a GP when you want to. For too many it’s impossible to access NHS dentistry.
“Pensioners have been forced to visit food banks. Rising energy bills have hammered family finances here in Leicester. It doesn’t have to be like this.
“I’m the only candidate in this campaign with a real history of fighting for the NHS and better patient care. I’m the only candidate with a history of helping local people through the cost of living crisis.
“A Labour government will deliver two million more appointments in the NHS to cut waiting times. Our plan to invest in renewable energy and clean power not only tackles the climate emergency but also creates good well paid jobs and cuts energy bills for good. To help struggling families we’ll introduce free breakfast clubs in primary schools, so no child starts the day hungry.
“We can change Leicester with a Labour government. Voting for anyone other than Labour helps the Tories win again. It’s time for change after 14 years of Tory failure. Labour has a fully costed and fully funded plan to deliver that real change. Don’t let the Tories have another five years. Vote Labour on July 4.”
Conservative candidate Geraldine Hickton
“I’m Gerri Hickton, standing to be Leicester South’s Conservative MP. With over two decades of hands-on experience in the transport and logistics sector, I bring a wealth of practical knowledge to the table. As a transport shift manager at the Co-op, I draw from my background as a Class 1 Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driver and a qualified HGV instructor.
“Additionally, I run my own driving instruction business and am currently pursuing an apprenticeship in coaching, highlighting my commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Running my own business means that I understand how frustrating it is when small businesses and historical markets have shut down because of Labour’s misuse of government-allocated funds. Small, local businesses are the pillar of our community, and I will work to be your voice.
“Over the years, I have been involved on the civilian committee of the local air cadets. I also served as a borough councillor for eight years, where I was the lead member for community engagement’. My deep connection to the community and extensive public service experience have inspired me to run for Leicester South.
“My background uniquely qualifies me to address the needs of the community, particularly in fixing the local transport strategy. The cycle pop-up lanes are a prime example of Labour’s mismanagement – prioritising their own agenda over residents’ needs.
“Labour no longer represents you; they focus on themselves. I am committed to leveraging my expertise to make a meaningful impact and improve the quality of life for all constituents in Leicester South.”
Liberal Democrat candidate Carol Weaver
“Values, including human rights and caring for others, are why I joined the Liberal Democrats, plus their internationalist outlook. I believe in standing up for what is right.
“After my first career as a teacher, I lectured for computer companies before completing my PhD on European Security at the University of Leicester, then teaching at De Montfort University. Along the way I’ve been a counsellor and international mediator, an author and editor, the chair of the local European Movement, a parent and a part-time carer.
“We live in an increasingly dangerous world with the war in Ukraine and Putin’s threats; with the horrors of the Israel/Gaza conflict and an escalation risk; and with the rise of cyber threats from various sources including China. Unfortunately, these issues as well as social media disinformation and tensions on the Indian subcontinent are affecting Leicester in a destructive way.
“But the compassionate people of Leicester are not responsible for any of these world events. Communities should be working together to end racism and discrimination, not allowing external forces and the far right to take advantage. There should be no room for hatred.
“If elected I’ll work to save the NHS including mental health care, social care and dentistry; help household finances; look after the disabled and carers; and work with our communities, our schools, and our universities to restore local harmony. Liberal Democrats will fight against climate change and poverty. We will fight for clean air, good jobs, businesses and the defence of our country.”
Also running for the seat are Ezechiel Adlore for the Monster Raving Loony Party, Osman Admani as an Independent, Anna Green for the Communist Party of Britain, Craig Harwood for Reform UK and Sharmen Rahman for the Green Party. LeicestershireLive was unable to contact Mr Adlore for a comment. We did not receive statements from the remaining candidates by the publication deadline.
