Despite a “less than ideal” start, Labour’s candidate for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven says he is feeling “positive” and is determined to use his voice to tackle homelessness and child poverty in the city if he is elected MP. Chris Ward was catapulted into the contest following the shock suspension of the constituency’s former Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle , who was running for re-election, after a complaint was made about his behaviour. Mr Russell-Moyle denies the claims, saying they were politically motivated.
The Labour Party announced the day after Mr Russell-Moyle’s departure that Mr Ward, a former aide and speechwriter for Keir Starmer of six years, would take on the constituency candidacy. The 41-year-old, who grew up in Brighton and whose parents live in Southwick, said he has wanted to be an MP for a long time having joined Labour when he was 18. He worked within the party in different roles for many years.
Mr Ward grew up in the area (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner) Mr Ward, who lives in south London currently, said when the opportunity arose in his hometown he was “delighted”. “My roots are in this city and I want my future to be in this city,” he said. “The selection process is done by the National Executive Committee.
“I had no say in that. “I can’t speak to the process and how that happened. “But when you grow up somewhere and you work for a party all your life and they ask you to be the candidate in that city you’re obviou.
