Labour's parliamentary candidate for the City of Durham launched her official campaign over the weekend - and has revealed her pledge for the area if elected.
Mary Kelly Foy was joined by supporters and fellow politicians on Saturday (June 1) at Framwellgate Moor Community Centre, as she got her election campaign underway.
Ms Foy will contest the City of Durham parliamentary seat against Mark Belch (Reform UK), Jonathan Elmer (Green Party), Mary Foy (Labour Party), Luke Allan Holmes (Conservative and Unionist Party), Sarah Welbourne (Social Democratic Party), Mark Wilkes (Liberal Democrats).
The campaign launched came on the same day that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak officially launched the Conservative election campaign in Redcar.
According to the candidate, if elected, Ms Foy will focus on her work already done as the MP, including RAAC-ridden St Leonard’s school, protecting much-loved allotments for residents in Witton Gilbert, pressuring Durham County Council and the Environment Agency to work to clear the River Wear of unsightly debris, a “Healthier High Streets” campaign which influenced changes in the city, working with community groups to support applications for much-needed funding.
This is joined by working with parents to save St Thomas More School from closure, supporting residents with appeals against outrageous planning applications and working non-stop during Storm Arwen when hundreds of constituents were left without power and basic supplies for lengthy durations - eventually shaming the Government into taking action.
Ms Foy said: “I’m standing again because I love our constituency; our culture; our history and our people. I want to keep championing our city, our countryside, our former coalfields, our region and our values - the values of compassion, fairness and solidarity.
"Let’s send a clear message to the Conservative Party in London that their attempt to lay down roots in our County has failed. Let’s make sure the City of Durham brick in the “wall” remains the brightest shade of red.”
Ms Foy added: “With the help of my brilliant team, I’ve supported over 13,300 constituents since 2019.
"It is impossible to list all of our achievements, but I hope voters will take time to read the campaign leaflets that will be dropping through their letterboxes in the coming weeks which mention not only my highlights, but also my pledges to them.
“The pledges range from supporting Labour’s plans to improve access to NHS dentistry; championing our local schools, colleges and university so that young people can thrive; improving and working to deliver better quality housing for both buyers and renters and, of course, protecting the environment and promoting Durham’s local businesses.”
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Following the launch, Mary led a large team of campaigners on a sunny walk along to Pity Me where an equally warm reception awaited them as they spoke to residents on the doors.
Labour’s recently re-elected Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen said: “I am delighted to endorse Mary Kelly Foys’ bid for re-election as the City of Durham’s MP. Mary has achieved a tremendous amount of success as an MP in opposition and I hope in the coming election, people vote for change and Mary gets the opportunity to reap the benefits and rewards of serving under a Labour Government who have a clear plan to rebuild this country and fix the public services we all depend on.”
The other candidates standing in the City of Durham parliamentary election:
- Mark Belch (Reform UK)
- Jonathan Elmer (Green Party)
- Mary Foy (Labour Party)
- Luke Allan Holmes (Conservative and Unionist Party)
- Sarah Welbourne (Social Democratic Party)
- Mark Wilkes (Liberal Democrats)
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