Christopher Clarkson chosen as Conservative candidate for Heywood & Middleton

Christopher Clarkson

Christopher Clarkson has been chosen as the Conservative candidate for Heywood & Middleton in the forthcoming general election.

A graduate of the University of Dundee, Mr Clarkson is a Conservative councillor for the Worsley ward on Salford City Council, having been elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2015 with an increased majority.

Originally from the Ribble Valley, he has lived in Greater Manchester since graduating.

Mr Clarkson is a member of the Countryside Alliance, a friend of the Lowry Theatre, enjoys running and triathlons and is a member of Friends of Real Lancashire, his local Civic Trust and the St James’ Club, Manchester.

Mr Clarkson said: "I’m delighted to have been chosen as the Conservative candidate for Heywood and Middleton.

"This General Election is the most important in my lifetime and we have a real opportunity to do something different this time.

"If I am fortunate enough to be elected as your next MP, I’ll get to work on day one promoting Heywood, Middleton, Castleton, Bamford and Norden as great places to live and work and will make sure that the new metro mayor gives us our fair share of investment.

"I want to make sure that the people who live here have access to quality jobs, that young people here have a choice in education, training and apprenticeships and that everyone has access to good, affordable housing, without destroying our precious green spaces.

"However, this election isn’t just about what I want to do for Heywood and Middleton - it’s also about the direction our country is taking after the decisive referendum of last year.

"If I am your MP, I will back Theresa May’s plan for Brexit and beyond - pushing for the best possible deal for Britain, with access to free trade with Europe, but without giving up control over our borders or our right to trade with other countries around the world. I see Brexit as a fantastic opportunity for us to go out into the world as a great trading nation and to sell our skills and our talents around the globe.

"However, I’m also clear that, if the EU won’t negotiate fairly with us, then no deal is better than a bad deal. People have voted for Brexit, not a half-measure.

"Heywood and Middleton deserves an MP who will fight for our towns and who wants to get a better deal for the people who live here. I pledge to be an open, accessible MP if elected on 8 June and will always stand up for the people I represent, putting them first.

"I look forward to meeting as may of you as I can over the next month and I hope to win your support.”