Tory candidate will champion thriving high streets

The Conservative candidate for Crewe and Nantwich said he will champion high streets, if he gets elected.

Ben Fletcher, chief finance and transformation officer at the Very Group, will stand at the next general election.

Current Conservative MP Dr Kieran Mullan announced he would not stand for re-election for the seat earlier this year.

He took the seat in 2019 with a majority of 8,508 from Labour.

Mr Fletcher, a trustee of the National Literacy Trust, said he was passionate about early years education.

"If elected as the next MP for Crewe and Nantwich I would want to use my experience to champion thriving high streets, planning that is transparent and effective, protecting the greenbelt and promoting sensitive development that commands the support of local people," he said.

Other parties have already announced candidates for the seat.

Te Ata Brown is the Green Party candidate, Connor Naismith is standing for Labour, Matthew Theobald is the Liberal Democrat candidate and Matthew Wood is standing for Reform.