Simon Burgess to contest Kemptown seat

Simon Burgess has been chosen to contest the Brighton Kemptown seat for Labour at the next General Election by an overwhelming majority of local Party members.

Speaking shortly after the vote, Simon said: "I'm very honoured to have won the support of so many friends and colleagues within the Party, and grateful for the backing of so many others outside of the Party who have wished me well and pledged their support. It will be a difficult and close fought election but one I am looking forward to."

Simon, 42, has worked closely with current MP Des Turner for ten years and was his election agent and organiser in the successful campaigns of 1997, 2001 and 2005. He is Vice Chair of Labour's National Policy Forum and a former Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council.

Des, who indicated last year that he would not be seeking re-election at the end of his third term, welcomed Simon's selection saying "no-one knows the constituency and the communities within it better than Simon, and no-one has a better grasp of the issues important to local people. He will make a first rate MP."

If you would like to contact Simon please write to Simon Burgess, Kemptown Labour, FREEPOST BR901, Brighton BN1 4ZZ or call 01273 330710. Alternatively e-mail simon@simonburgess.org.

Over the next few months Simon will be adding new material to his Web site at www.simonburgess.org and his Facebook Group Simon Burgess for Brighton Kemptown.