The candidates hoping to become the new MP for Warwick and Leamington have had their say on the new local plan, housing and congestion.

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 five other candidates, with the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, Greens, UKIP and Reform all putting forward a representatives.

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

Louis Adam - Liberal Democrats

What is your stance on the new South Warwickshire Local Plan and its impact on the local green belt?

The South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP) needs infrastructure to justify any development, from GP surgeries and schools, to drainage, and development should be on previously developed sites wherever possible, not Green Belt.

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

How will you ensure that the voices of Warwick and Leamington residents are heard in Parliament?

As a district Councillor I have been working with colleagues at all levels of local government to get the right plan for South Warwickshire, to preserve the assets we have and listen to local resident's needs.

I will take this approach into being the local MP.

What steps will you take to improve public transport and reduce traffic congestion in Warwick and Leamington?

Transport is a big part of the SWLP.

I will continue to support better cycle links across our area, and critically into Warwick and Leamington, along with improvements to bus and rail viability, to make sustainable travel easier and cheaper.'

Matt Western - Labour

What is your stance on the new South Warwickshire Local Plan and its impact on the local green belt?

I have long voiced concerns about over-development in Warwick and Leamington.

Alongside other local campaigners I have questioned whether the government were using accurate figures for their estimates of population growth, particularly in their estimates for how much 'overspill' from Coventry Warwick district would need to accommodate.

Labour's manifesto spells out the need to preserve the greenbelt from the kind of haphazard and speculative development we have seen under the Conservatives.

New housing needs to be affordable and be built to serve the needs of people, not property developers.

I have long campaigned for housing on brownfield sites to be prioritised and I will continue to do so. 

How will you ensure that the voices of Warwick and Leamington residents are heard in Parliament?

To represent the people of Warwick and Leamington over the last seven years has been the privilege of my life. When I was first elected, I was determined to be a national voice and local champion for our towns and villages. I hope I have succeeded in this. 

In those seven years, I have spoken over 1,400 times in Parliament, that is almost four times more than my predecessor. 

If re-elected, this is a record I would continue on, ensuring the voices of people in our towns and villages are heard loud and clear in Parliament. 

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

What steps will you take to improve public transport and reduce traffic congestion in Warwick and Leamington?

I am well aware of the real problems so many residents have with public transport and congestion when travelling within our towns and villages and further afield.

Over the last seven years, I have commuted weekly down to London and know firsthand how frustrating commuting can be with the current state of our infrastructure. 

Labour have committed to maintaining and renewing our road network, to ensure it serves drivers, cyclists and other road users, remains safe, and tackles congestion.

To improve public transport, we have committed to bringing train operators under public ownership and control, making trains more affordable and efficient and would give every community the power to take back control of their bus services.

This would create and save vital routes and services, end the postcode lottery of bus services and kickstart a revival of bus services across England. 

Hema YellaPragada - Green

What is your stance on the new South Warwickshire Local Plan and its impact on the local green belt?

I would support the New South Warwickshire Local Plan's goals to lower carbon emissions from new home building while emphasising sustainability and climate action. A comprehensive plan is critical for striking a balance between growth and the preservation of our key green places, maintaining environmental integrity.

This plan not only addresses the need for more houses in our area but also focuses on incorporating energy-efficient design techniques.

I would push for adoption of passivhaus design approaches and establishing high energy efficiency requirements, as paaivhaus homes will use less energy for heating, cooling, and lighting, resulting in decreased carbon emissions. Emphasising on sustainable materials, such as low-carbon concrete and sustainably sourced timber. 

Instead of depending solely on energy retailers to heat the homes more renewable energy integration would be better such as installation of solar panels and heat pumps which will reduce emission and bills. It not only reduces dependency on fossil fuels but also facilitates the transition to a more sustainable energy system.

The current proposal contains incentives for adopting these technologies, making them financially viable for developers.

The Green Party strongly supports the increased Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement, which encourages the establishment of more green spaces, promotes carbon sequestration, and improves local ecosystems.

This method is critical for achieving a balance between development and environmental protection.

When compared to other parties, the Green Party's dedication to sustainable development is unparalleled. While other parties may focus on short-term fixes to address the housing crisis, the Green Party prioritises long-term, realistic solutions that assure both environmental sustainability and community well-being.

The South Warwickshire Local Plan tackles urgent environmental concerns while also supporting the region's long-term ecological and economic health.

Voting Green assures a forward-thinking strategy that prioritises the health of our world and communities.

What steps will you take to improve public transport and reduce traffic congestion in Warwick and Leamington?

My aim is to prioritise long-term, practical solutions that enhance environmental sustainability and community well-being. Locally, as a district councillor, I have been working on comprehensive solutions to tackle traffic congestion by promoting sustainable transport options.

For instance, I have been working on getting a cycle path and footway from new housing estates to the back of Myton School to reduce congestion on Myton Road, which has seven schools and a nursery on that road.

By providing safe access to walking and cycling for short journeys to school, work and leisure it means that we're less likely to be stuck in traffic when we do need to use our cars. Additionally, I campaigned for public transport in new housing estates, Myton Green and the Priors where there had been no bus service for over two years.

After being elected, I secured a bus service within five to six months of getting elected, demonstrating my commitment to addressing local needs.

To further tackle public transport and traffic congestion issues in Warwick and Leamington, I would voice for - Investment in Sustainable Transport. We need reliable, affordable, and sustainable public transport options, such as electric buses with frequent service and which are affordable to all. So it reduces reliance on cars. 

Additionally, I will also focus on Cycling and Pedestrian Infrastructure. Developing safe cycling lanes and pedestrian pathways will encourage active travel, making it easier and safer for residents to walk or bike.

Hema YellaPragada: 'Voting Green assures a forward-thinking strategy'

Bike hire points from train station to town and to shires and other places. Aim would be to develop an integrated Transport Systems connecting residential areas with key employment and recreational hubs to reduce congestion and improve mobility.

These steps aim to lower carbon emissions, decrease traffic congestion, and create a healthier, more sustainable community.

The Green Party's approach focuses on practical, long-term solutions that prioritise environmental sustainability and community well-being. Voting Green means supporting a future-focused, community-driven agenda that aims for real change and progress. 

How will you ensure that the voices of Warwick and Leamington residents are heard in Parliament?

As a Green MP, I will effectively represent my constituents of Warwick and Leamington by ensuring their opinions are heard in Parliament.

I plan to actively engage with the community by holding frequent town hall meetings, surveys, and public consultations, which will allow constituents to discuss their problems and suggestions.

My work as a councillor demonstrates my commitment to addressing local challenges, such as establishing a bus service for new housing estate and working towards sustainable transport alternatives.

The Green Party is essentially democratic, and our councillors and MPs are not whipped, allowing us to properly represent the people. I will address the community's needs by collaborating closely with local councils and lobby for local policies at the parliament.

Constituents will truly have a voice in the parliament, rather than relying on an MP who must toe their party lines irrespective of their personal views.

James Uffindell - Conservative, Nigel Clarke - Reform, Laurie Steele - UKIP

Candidates did not respond to our requests for comment.