Melksham and Devizes candidates' final bid for votes

The Melksham and Devizes candidates have given some final thoughts for voters who are still on the fence for the upcoming general election.

The new constituency is formed by the central western area of the county, stretching out from Bradford on Avon to just past Devizes, rising in its western edge to include Colerne and dipping in the east to include Market Lavington.

Liberal Democrat candidate Brian Mathew said: “Our country is crying out for change after years of Conservative misrule.

“All over the country people are struggling just to get on in life.

“They deserve better.

“The Liberal Democrats are promising a fair deal for the British people.

“We will fix the NHS, improve social care, tackle the cost of living crisis, reverse cuts to the Army, reduce energy bills and stop raw sewage being dumped into our rivers.

“Here in Melksham and Devizes constituency a vote for the Liberal Democrats is the best chance at electing a strong local champion and seeing the change we need.”

Labour candidate Kerry Postlewhite said: “I'm proud of what our country stands for, but over the past 14 years, towns and villages in this constituency have seen the impact of austerity, economic mismanagement and a Conservative cost of living crisis.

“We've seen the partying and profiteering as the rest of us did our best to support each other through Covid.

“It's time for change. It's time to turn the page and start a decade of national renewal with Labour.

“Labour can win here, whatever our opponents might tell you.

“Lend me your vote and I will be your champion for change in a Labour government."

The Green Party candidate, Catherine Read, said: “Nature and climate emergencies are the defining issues of our time, yet the silence during this campaign is deadly. We are a nation of nature lovers, yet it’s being driven to destruction.

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world where action is essential and urgently needed.

For a greener future, and a more equal society, we need politicians to prioritise people and the environment, to put health before profit and nature before pollution.

If you elect me, I will passionately support our NHS, all public services and be a strong advocate for action on the climate crisis.”

The Reform candidate, Malcolm Cupis, and the Conservative candidate, Michelle Donelan, were also contacted for comment.