General Election 2024: Welwyn Hatfield candidate profiles

There are five candidates vying to become the MP for Welwyn Hatfield, so we asked them why you should be voting for them.

Grant Shapps - Conservatives (MP for Welwyn Hatfield in the last Parliament)

Grant Shapps.

I am someone who has always put people above politics as Welwyn Hatfield's MP. And that is why residents from across Welwyn Hatfield, regardless of the their party preference, say they will vote for me at this forthcoming election.

I believe in public service and when knocking on doors I've been struck by the number of people who report that I've helped them, their family or their friends in the past.

Whatever the outcome of the election, it's important to have an MP prepared to hold the government to account and that is precisely what I will do.

When you vote by post or on July 4 in person, it will be my name on the ballot paper and I am therefore directly appealing for you to vote for a hardworking local MP, who has always stood up for Welwyn Hatfield and never forgotten that serving our area is my first duty.

If I am re-elected I will work to continue the improvements in our town centres, ditch the crazy cycle path over Hunters Bridge in Welwyn Garden City, and bring services back to the New QEII after Labour closed our district hospital and sent the major services to the Lister in Stevenage.

Andrew Lewin - Labour

Andrew Lewin. (Image: Andrew Lewin)

It’s my privilege to be the Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Welwyn Hatfield, the place I call home. I was born at the old QEII hospital, live in the constituency and I’m standing to be our MP because I believe it's time for change after 14 years of failed Conservative government.

My priorities for Welwyn Hatfield are rooted in the conversations I’ve had with local people over the last few months.

They are reforming business rates to attract new shops back to our high streets, safer streets with a visible police force, supporting the NHS so you have access to a local doctor and dentist when you need them, lowering your energy bills by backing clean and green energy, and a free breakfast club for all of our primary schools.

We need a Labour government to turn around our economy, fix our public services and take urgent action on climate change. Only Labour can beat the Conservatives here and I hope I can earn your vote, so we can deliver change in Welwyn Hatfield.

Jack Aaron - Reform UK

Jack Aaron. (Image: Reform UK)

I am the only candidate challenging the status quo. I will never sign our United Kingdom up to the progressive, international agenda that sees family and tradition as barriers to modernity. I am the only candidate who is determined to protect what we have, and to restore what we once had.

My goal is to help families grow, small businesses thrive, and people to once again feel proud of this wonderful country that took in my family from persecution.

My hope for the nation begins at home. I would pass legislation to preserve the unique character of Welwyn Garden City for future generations. I would also help villages in our constituency maintain a balance of autonomy and support through a tailored, case-by-case approach.

I would see Hatfield’s new town revitalised in its architecture and high street businesses, with a new teaching hospital to play its role in solving the NHS staffing crisis.

With both main parties pulling this country into decline, tactically voting for one to prevent the other does not work anymore. If you want to change the country’s direction, I urge you to stand with me to Reform the UK.

John Munro - Liberal Democrats

John Munro. (Image: Liberal Democrats)

We need to call time on this failed Conservative government, and on Welwyn Hatfield’s Tory MP too. He has served in Government for years. He is as responsible as anyone else for the state our country finds itself in.

And Welwyn Hatfield deserves more than just another Government yes man. If Labour win the general election Welwyn Hatfield will need an MP who isn’t under the thumb of Government Whips; Labour’s candidate will be just that. I’ll be an independent, vocal champion for our area and I believe I have the experience to deliver the change we need.

I’ve spent my career campaigning for change on both a local and national level. From working to protect the arts across the UK to championing support for the Britain’s high streets, I know what it takes to deliver real change and I will use my experience to get things done.

I will be fighting hard to improve access to GPs and dentists, to stop sewage being dumped into our rivers and to end the Tory's cost of living crisis.

I hope that you will support me on July 4, so that I can fight for a fair deal for Welwyn Hatfield.

Sarah Butcher - Green Party

Sarah Butcher. (Image: The Green Party)

Never has there been a more urgent need for Green MPs to be elected. Climate change and biodiversity loss are already affecting everyone‘s lives, in particular the poorest members of society.

Social and economic justice and equality are core to solving these problems. A fairer taxation system will bring economic change and help to balance society more equally. I believe the introduction of a wealth tax is essential. Green jobs in renewable energy and infrastructure should be funded immediately to improve lives and finances as well as reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. I believe a ground-breaking, new Green economy is essential.

Increased funding from a fairer tax system - including windfall taxes - will repair our broken NHS, social care systems and pay for more affordable housing. I believe the two-child benefit cap should be abolished, also the no-fault eviction policy.

Gradual renationalisation of water, rail and energy would result in more control and accountability of essential UK services.

All these issues affect people in Welwyn Hatfield. We cannot wait to act. Only a Green vote will put people and the environment at the heart of decision making.

The General Election takes place on Thursday, July 4 with counting taking place overnight.