Alliance to beat Tories

Good news that it comes before boundary changes

“In every election for the last 20 years, our parties have won more votes put together than the Conservatives.

“The majority of voters for 20 years have preferred a progressive candidate and yet we’re still stuck with the same unsatisfactory and undemocratic outcome.

“If Labour and the Lib Dems talk to their members, they might want to reconsider. They should think again.”

Sir Julian, who has represented Canterbury and Whitstable since 1987, said: “I’ve never taken the electorate for granted.

“I will be making my pitch that this is a government firmly committed to maintaining the economic recovery we’ve achieved, committed to getting a good deal for Britain in Europe.

“If Labour, the Greens and the Lib Dems want to get together then that’s a matter for them. I shall be making my case and the other parties can make theirs.” Faversham and Mid Kent Helen Whately welcomes the prospect of representing the constituency for another five years.

The Conservative entered parliament in 2015 with a majority of 16,600, but the Boundary Commission proposed removing the constituency under the reorganisation scheduled for 2020.

She said: “Now the election has been called, I hope it means I will get a longer chance at representing the people of Faversham and Mid Kent.

“I welcome the Prime Minister’s bold decision to call a general election in June. This election is an opportunity to give her a substantial mandate, and strengthen her hand in negotiations with the European Union.

“Now, while the EU is determining its own priorities, is the right time. I want to see the Prime Minister secure the best possible deal for Britain and particularly for Faversham and Mid Kent.

“A successful result on June 8 will enable the Prime Minister to negotiate more strongly in our national interest, and give Britain stable leadership to see us through Brexit.”

Mrs Whately will be on the campaign trail with her county council colleagues over the next couple of months ahead of voters heading to the polls.

She said: “Now the referendum has taken place, and we are coming out of the European Union, I do not see why people would continue to vote for Ukip.

“In the last two years I have worked hard as an MP and as I said I always wanted to do, I have become an advocate for the town, whether it’s the establishment of infrastructure, Operation Stack, campaigning for better funding for schools, social care, and generally speaking up for the people of Faversham and making my constituency known in the Commons.”