A former pro rugby player and barrister has entered the race to be Welwyn Hatfield's next MP, after putting his name forward as a Labour candidate.
Stuart Brady has thrown his hat into the ring and believes he is the man to take on Grant Shapps and secure the seat in the borough.
"I genuinely feel that my life experience, local roots, and skills as an advocate, are what is needed to take on Grant Shapps," he said.
"With around an 11,000 majority to overcome it is critical that the local members think carefully about who they chose, their background, and their experience.
"The right candidate could make the difference between winning and losing."
Mr Brady grew up in nearby Hertford, but his grandfather came to Welwyn Garden City in the early 1950s to help build homes and his family were provided with council housing in exchange.
He described being MP for the borough as a "dream", and believes he is the right man to take Welwyn Hatfield forward.
"It would be a dream to be the MP for the place that my grandfather came to build," he said.
READ MORE: The Welwyn Hatfield Labour candidate who could challenge Grant Shapps
"My family were lucky to have comfortable council houses in Goblins Green and then Shortlands Green in Welwyn Garden. Grandad was a founder member of the Shamrock Club. I have very fond memories of visiting them a couple of times a week as a child.
"Like many in the area my youth was spent at Rollercity, The Galleria, and being dragged around John Lewis by my parents.
"There is so much potential in Welwyn Hatfield. From talking on the doorsteps across Welwyn Hatfield I know too many people are being let down with a lack of housing, housing disrepair issues, anti-social behaviour and a lack of investment in the town centres.
READ MORE: Polls predict Grant Shapps will lose Welwyn Hatfield seat
"Having spent many an hour being treated or visiting relatives at the QEII, I know what the local health service did for me. But I also know that the NHS is under strain like never before because of a failure to invest and bring through the workforce needed."
The Labour candidate will be decided by a vote amongst party members, with Andrew Lewin also in the running.
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