MAIDSTONE AND THE WEALD

Tory Helen Grant was first elected to the Maidstone and the Weald constituency in 2010, replacing long-serving MP Ann Widdicombe. The 55-yearold was the first black woman Conservative MP, and has served as parliamentary undersecretary for women and equalities between 2012 and 2015, and under-secretary for justice between 2012 and 2013. Born in London, the mother-oftwo obtained a law degree from the University of Hull. Mrs Grant has campaigned for Maidstone’s Invicta Park Barracks, which is threatened with closure. Allen Simpson, 34, grew up in Maidstone, and ran for the seat in 2015 when he came fourth, receiving 10.5% of the vote. Educated at Maidstone Grammar School, Mr Simpson went on to work at the London Stock Exchange and Barclays Bank, and married former Maidstone Girls’ Grammar School pupil Katy Simpson. He has spoken about the risks of a hard Brexit: “The government doesn’t seem to know how to fix the Brexit problem and it will be people in towns like ours who are hit hardest when it fails. I will be fighting to make sure that we don’t pile a bad Brexit deal on top of the wider problems we face.” Seasoned environmental campaigner Stuart Jeffery believes he is the one candidate campaigning for both the people and the planet in Maidstone. The Green party candidate and father of one has lived in Maidstone for 17 years and has campaigned heavily for better environmental monitoring, and fundraising for local homelessness charities. He previously unsuccessfully contested the Canterbury and Whitstable seat against incumbent Conservative Sir Julian Brazier in 2015, where he received 7% of the vote.