In December 2019, we were proud to have Genevieve Kitchen represent us as our candidate in the General Election. Gen, and a hardy band of volunteers, campaigned across the constituency, making thousands of contacts and ensuring that Labour was seen as a viable vote for the people of South Northamptonshire.

Our final result – 21% of the vote – broadly reflected the national trend, but lessons were learned that will be invaluable in future elections, both national and local.

A South Northamptonshire girl, Genevieve – or Gen, to her friends – grew up in Potterspury, where her family still live. Growing up, Gen attended secondary school in Deanshanger, spent much of time in Towcester Library, and has fond memories of her childhood years spent in and around the villages of Stoke Bruerne and Yardley Gobion.

Gen moved to London for university, and since graduating has worked in the charity sector, fighting for those most affected by the Conservative government’s spending choices. In May 2018, Gen became a local councillor in Newham, east London, topping the vote in the Boleyn ward. Since her election, she has championed social housing and ensures that the people of Boleyn are not forgotten.

“Bringing the community together and fixing ordinary people’s problems are what I love about being a local representative; you get to change real people’s lives for the better.”

Gen believes that South Northamptonshire should have someone who knows the area, and someone who is determined to fight for ordinary people and ordinary families. Andrea Leadsom and the Tories have let down the people of the country and the people of South Northamptonshire; they aren’t taking care of the NHS, social care, local transport, or our schools, and the Conservatives in County Hall have mismanaged the County finances, leading to local councils failing while they concentrate on other people and other places.