Parliamentary candidates standing in Warwick and Leamington at the upcoming general election have started releasing their first statements since the election was called.

Locals will head to the polls on Thursday 4 July, and the local constituency is set to be one of the most hotly contested in the country.

Labour's Matt Western is standing for re-election, having taken the seat by just 800 votes in 2019.

He will face competition from four other candidates, with the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, Greens and Reform all putting forward a representatives.

Nub News asked all five of the candidates why they are standing for election, and why locals should trust them with their vote.

Louis Adam - Liberal Democrats

Why are you standing for election?

I'm standing to be a strong voice for our area. I grew up here, studied here and now work locally because I love our community.

I think our area needs strong representation that's focused on the issues that matter to local people, and I'll work hard to be that voice.

What are your main priorities in terms of local issues in Warwick and Leamington?

As your MP I'd be a strong advocate for our local NHS services, working to ensure everyone locally can access a GP or NHS dentist when they need them. 

I'd work for a stronger economy that benefits everyone, through wise investment, fair taxes and responsible management of the public finances.

And finally, I'd stand up to the water companies polluting our rivers whilst reaping in millions.

Louis Adam is standing for the Liberal Democrats (image supplied)

Why should locals trust you with their vote?

I'm a hard worker and stand by my beliefs and like many people I'm fed up with the chaos of both red and blue.

If I'm elected I'll work hard for our communities and listen to local people, not the desires of party whips or donors.

The Conservatives have driven local services into the ground, whilst driving mortgage rates and rents through the roof.

We can't let their incompetent rule continue.The Labour party promise they've changed, but with u-turns on climate action, indecision over Gaza and infighting amongst their local councillors, it's clear they haven't. 

Only the Lib Dems offer a strong, local voice for Leamington and Warwick.

Matt Western - Labour

Why are you standing for election?

Because the country is desperate for change and Labour will bring that change.

Warwick and Leamington has been my home for 20 years and it has been the privilege of my life to serve our towns and villages for the last seven years.

I have seen what the last 14 years of chaos and economic mismanagement have done to our communities and how desperately we need change. I am standing to continue to be a strong voice for our towns and villages and deliver the change we deserve. 

Matt Western is looking to get re-elected in Warwick and Leamington (image supplied)

What are you main priorities in terms of local issues in Warwick and Leamington?

I am out talking to residents on the doorstep every week and the cost of living is a huge concern for so many people - they've seen massive increases in their mortgages and rocketing rents, how much their food shop now costs, the household energy bills that grow ever larger.

Residents deserve stability and support after the Conservatives' catastrophic kamikaze budget.

Housing is another concern of mine. So many people locally simply cannot get on the housing ladder and we are not seeing the housing built that our communities need such as social and truly affordable housing.

Why should locals trust you with their vote?

I have a proven track record as a local champion, speaking up and delivering for our communities both in parliament and here at home.

I've lived here for 20 years and know the issues that concern residents because they're issues that concern me too.

Hema YellaPragada - Green

Why are you standing for election?

I have called Warwick and Leamington my home for more than 20 years, during which time I have had the opportunity to help people in our towns through various voluntary roles.

My goal has always been to have a positive influence, whether it is by serving hot meals to the elderly and disabled through Sewa Day, visiting schools to talk about environmental issues and world views, promoting harmony in our society through multifaith forums, organising events like the UK Parliament Week to educate children regarding democratic process, standing up for women's rights as a trustee of Women Stepping Out, or supporting causes like the Save Soil campaign.

Since winning a seat on the Warwick District Council, I've had the honour of helping Myton and Heathcote Ward residents with various issues. Now, I want to stand as an MP candidate so I can be a strong green voice for Warwick and Leamington in Westminster.

I am determined to hold the government to account on critical issues such as the lack of right homes in the right places at the right prices, supporting the amazing staff in the NHS and schools to solve deep seated issues, the fact that energy and water should come into public hands, and the lack of clear guidance or strategy by the government to help industries transition to net zero. 

What are your main priorities in terms of local issues in Warwick and Leamington?

New housing estates in our town often lack basic facilities.

Since being elected as a councillor, I have campaigned and worked hard to secure public transport and post boxes for new housing developments in my ward. However, it's frustrating that such essential amenities aren't incorporated at the planning stage of new developments. Additionally, the houses themselves are often substandard, and poorly insulated with construction companies taking the profits and leaving us to sort the problems.

Our towns also face significant traffic congestion, and the lack of reliable, affordable, and sustainable public transport and lack of cycleways exacerbates this problem. While I have been working hard to address traffic issues in my ward, it's clear that the entire town needs comprehensive solutions to these challenges. Moreover, our town is home to many leading motoring and gaming industries, employing a large number of residents.

These jobs could be at risk if the government fails to implement a clear strategy to help these industries transition to net zero, rather than merely setting targets.

Organisations like the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), supported by companies like Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin, are encountering practical difficulties in establishing a sustainable UK supply chain to support net zero goals.

The Conservatives have failed to set out a clear I am committed to holding the government accountable for setting a robust industrial strategy to ensure a smooth transition to net zero for these vital industries.

Why should locals trust you with their vote?

In addition to my extensive volunteer work, I have had the privilege of serving as a district councillor, where I have actively listened to and addressed the needs of our community.

New housing estates in our ward lacked basic facilities, such as a bus service and post boxes. Within a few months of my election, I successfully worked with the council to introduce a bus service and campaigned for post boxes, which are now on the way.

Traffic congestion on Myton Road has been a significant issue, so we are working towards establishing a cycle path and footway from the new housing estates to the back of Myton School.

Additionally, I have been working to tackle air pollution by working with county and district officers, and supporting local organisations like Clean Air Warwickshire.

I have consistently proven to be an effective representative who genuinely listens to the community and takes action. 

In last year's Council elections, the Conservatives collapsed from their 12 seats in 2019 to just two in 2023.

And they didn't even win Warwick & Leamington in 2019 – now they're desperately defending seats elsewhere in the country. Labour has backtracked on its environmental pledges and student loan reforms.

The Green Party stands firm on supporting our doctors, nurses and teachers, calling for energy and water companies to be brought back into public hands, and addressing the housing and cost of living crises. A vote for the Green Party is a vote for real hope and real change!

James Uffindell - Conservative

Mr Uffindell is yet to respond to our latest request for comment.

However, when the election was first called, he told Nub News: "The Prime Minister has called the general election at a time where the economy has seen the fastest growth in years and inflation has fallen to 2.3 per cent.

"It is clear that Rishi Sunak's plan for the economy is working and having led us through a nationwide recovery after the pandemic and a war in Europe, he is the right person to lead this country into a brighter future.

"I am excited to continue to have conversations with voters across Warwick, Royal Leamington Spa, Whitnash, Bishop's Tachbrook, Radford Semele and our rural areas, and assure them if elected, I will be an MP who listens, responds and is on their side."

Nigel Clarke - Reform

Mr Clarke did not respond to our requests for comment.