Clare Moody, who represented Stroud in the European Parliament until 2019, has thrown her hat into the ring to replace David Drew as Labour’s candidate at the next General Election after he decided not to stand again.
Currently co-CEO of human rights and equality charity Equally Ours, Ms Moody also worked for Gordon Brown during his time as Prime Minister and spent 20 years working in the trade union movement.
In 2015 she launched David Drew’s election campaign, and in the last General Election convinced former Conservative MEP Julie Girling to publicly endorse the-then Stroud MP.
Speaking after the shortlist for the selection was announced, Moody said: “As a life-long campaigner, trade unionist, and champion for social justice, I know I’m the right person to take on the current Conservative MP, Siobhan Baillie – and I’d relish the opportunity to do so. David Drew set a high standard as a dedicated constituency MP and, unlike the present MP, I will follow that example.
“If we are to have any chance of evicting Boris Johnson from Downing Street and electing a Labour Government, we must win in Stroud. The Tory MP only stands up for the Prime Minister; I’ve spent my life standing up for others. I have the skills, qualities and conviction to make the positive case for Labour to voters across the whole constituency and I’m ready to be our next MP.”
Ms Moody has already attracted significant support from across the local party, as well as from the GMB and UNISON trade unions.
Raj Sharma, who lives in Stroud, said: “I’m backing Clare because her policy knowledge is second to none. From the climate emergency to international affairs, she really knows her stuff and can take the fight to Siobhan Baillie.”
Olga Gibbons, from Stonehouse, said: “We need someone experienced in parliamentary procedure and who is not afraid to speak her own mind. Someone with integrity who passionately believes in making life better for the people in the constituency. I feel that Clare Moody encompasses all this which is why I’m backing her to be our Labour candidate.”
Her campaign website is available to view at www.claremoody.com, followed on Twitter at @ClareMoodySW, or Facebook on “Clare Moody for Stroud”