2nd Aug 2008

Greens select prospective parliamentary candidate for North East Somerset

Bath & North East Somerset Green Party has selected its parliamentary candidate for the North East Somerset constituency, formerly known as Wansdyke.

Following a ballot of Green Party members within Bath & North East Somerset, Michael Jay, who runs a smallholding, was selected to stand in the North East Somerset constituency.

Michael, who also works part-time as a bus driver and runs a small beekeeping equipment business, joined the Green Party two years ago after finding no Green candidate to vote for at the 2005 General Election.

"I am delighted to be selected as candidate and shall put every effort into giving North East Somerset the opportunity to go green," said Michael.

On the membership council for the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Michael has lived in the area for 25 years with this partner and three children, two just completed higher education and one still at school.

Living in a rural village, one of the key issues he intends to fight for is significant improvements to public transport and road safety including facilities for cyclists.

"Another vital issue in a rural constituency such as North East Somerset is far greater support for local farmers and Farmers' Markets," added Michael, who is a bee disease diagnostic microscopist for the Somerset Beekeepers Association.

Bath & North East Somerset Green Party

Press officer: Ian Martin

Local party contact: Eric Lucas