THE Labour candidate for the new Earley and Woodley seat says she is honoured to be the party’s choice, and that the country had gone backwards since the 1990s.
Rishi Sunak confirmed the general election will take place on Thursday, July 4, and it will be the first to take place under new boundaries. This has led to the creation of a new seat, Earley and Woodley.
Yuan Yang was selected by Labour to contest it, and she is looking forward to the challenge.
The Financial Times journalist stepped down from her role to contest the seat.
“I’m honoured to be Labour’s candidate in this new constituency, because it means I can bring a fresh start to our area,” she said in a statement.
“Every day I speak to local residents who tell me how sorely we need change. Only a vote for Labour will bring the change we need. The Lib Dems have already said in public that they don’t expect to win the seat.”
She continued: “My family have lived in Earley for fourteen years, and over that time, I’ve seen the damage austerity has done to our community. It’s become more and more difficult to get a GP appointment, schools are stretched, and the economy isn’t working.
“As an economist I know that things don’t have to be this way. To build a strong economy, we need to invest in people and our communities.
“I went to primary school in the 90s, and Labour’s focus on education meant I got a great start in life, despite coming from an immigrant family with limited means.
“We’ve gone backwards since then. Labour’s plan for the economy will create a greener, brighter future for everyone, and break down the barriers to opportunity.”
“For many of us, a change of government can’t come quickly enough.”
She is one of four Labour candidates who recently met staff at the Royal Berkshire Hospital to find out more about why they need a new building.
Ms Yang said: “An elderly friend of mine was admitted to the Royal Berkshire Hospital recently, and it’s for people like her that I want to win a general election victory.
“The RBH has been overdue new facilities for years. If elected, I’ll make sure we finally build a new hospital, while also moving more healthcare into the community, so we can diagnose and treat problems early.”
Also standing in Earley and Woodley are Pauline Jorgensen (Conservatives), Tahir Maher (Lib Dems) and Louise Keane (Green).
