Kettering can vote Green for first time

Robert Reeves, Kettering's first Green

Kettering will have the chance to vote for the Green Party in the upcoming general election for the first time ever. 

Robert Reeves has been announced as the Green's very first parliamentary candidate for the Kettering constituency.

Voters from the town and surrounding areas will finally have the chance to choose the party come the election on Thursday, May 7. 

Reeves, who has lived in Kettering for most of his life, runs his own business as a self-employed private tutor in the area, said: "I'm extremely happy that people in Kettering will be able to vote for the Green Party in a general election for the first time. 

"I've been overwhelmed by the support in this short space of time, which just shows that the people of Kettering share our vision of a fairer and greener future.

"We are a party of people, not career politicians. And that's me; a regular guy from Kettering who genuinely cares about people and the planet, not someone who is in it for their own interests.

"I'd like to see safer and cleaner streets, less traffic, a more thriving town centre and more arts and cultural events that bring people together. 
"I'll also be out from now until May asking the local residents what is important to them. I want to improve a sense of community, an inclusive community that no one is alienated from. I really believe that we can bring positive change by working together."

A campaign launch and fundraiser is set to be held at the start of next month to help officially launch Reeves' election bid.

Held at The Three Cocks Inn on Friday, April 3, possible voters will have the chance to meet the party's candidate for Kettering in person.

Local band The Abrahams are set to showcase their talent at the event, as well as another act who are yet to be announced.

A Green-friendly auction will take place at the end of the night with the aim of raising as much money as possible for the upcoming campaign. Posters and badges will be available for all.

Despite being a 'Pay What You Want' night, the suggested minimum entry is £5.

The Green Party will be represented in every constituency in Northamptonshire for the first time ever in this year's general election.

The party will be represented in Corby by Jonathan Hornett, Wellingborough by Marion Turner-Hawes and in Daventry by Steve Whiffen. Tony Clarke is standing for the party in Northampton North and Julie Hawkins for Northampton South. South Northamptonshire's candidate is set to be confirmed next week.

By Stephen Matthews