Kingston’s Green Party has drawn the battle lines ahead of the 2015 general election by fielding its own candidate against the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey.
Clare Keogh will stand in the Kingston and Surbiton constituency next year and vows to campaign on issues including the bedroom tax, government cuts and over-development.
Ms Keogh also plans to focus on issues such as falling air quality and plans to fight for more open spaces, monitor air quality and improve walking and cycling services as well as fighting the expansion of Heathrow airport.
She said: “Kingston is being over-developed and as a result we are facing shortages in schools, health services and police.
“The local transport system is now at breaking point, I will fight to make public services better and fairer for all.”
Ms Keogh moved to Surbiton in 2009 to study at Kingston University and since graduating she calls the borough home.
She now works as an advice worker at the university’s Student Union providing advice, support and advocacy for vulnerable members and is involved in campaigns including Kingston Keep Our NHS Public.
Ms Keogh added: “Local people have been let down by Ed Davey since the last election, helping push through legislation that hurts the poorest in our society whilst offering tax breaks for the richest.
“He has failed to stick to his promise to vote against any rise in tuition fees, and has failed to effectively tackle the issue of climate change whilst in government.
“As MP I would fight for every person and not just the top 10%.”
