The Candidates for the Wellingborough By-Election: A Comprehensive Overview

The Wellingborough by-election, scheduled for 15 February 2024, is an eagerly anticipated event in the political landscape of Northamptonshire. The by-election was prompted by the suspension of Peter Bone, the incumbent MP, from the House of Commons for six weeks due to a breach of the code of conduct for MPs. In this article, we will delve into the backgrounds, policies, and aspirations of the candidates vying for the seat in Wellingborough.

1. Nick the Flying Brick (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party)
Nick the Flying Brick, the “shadow minster for abolishing gravity” of The Official Monster Raving Loony Party, is a seasoned candidate who has previously contested various general elections and by-elections. The party, which was established in the UK in 1982 by musician David Sutch, is known for its unconventional and often humorous policies. Nick the Flying Brick’s campaign promises include the development of Wellingborough Golf Club into an intergalactic space port and making fishing a spectator sport by introducing piranha into the River Nene.

2. Ana Savage Gunn (Liberal Democrats)
Ana Savage Gunn, the Liberal Democrat candidate, is a local resident who grew up in Northamptonshire. She has an extensive background in law enforcement, having served in Northamptonshire Police for over 30 years and rising to the rank of inspector. Ms Savage Gunn has also worked as a law enforcement consultant in the US and, more recently, as a health care assistant and Covid clinic coordinator in the county. She is a trustee of Northamptonshire Carers and is committed to putting the community first.

3. Ben Habib (Reform UK)
Ben Habib, the Reform UK candidate, is the party’s co-deputy leader and a former Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party. He is a property developer and fund manager and previously donated to the Conservatives. Mr Habib intends to give the Wellingborough by-election his best effort and, if elected, will hold the government accountable in the Commons.

4. Helen Harrison (Conservative Party)
Helen Harrison, the Conservative Party candidate, is the local representative who has already delivered for the people of Wellingborough on a local authority level. She is the executive member for adults, health, and wellbeing on the unitary authority and has previously run for Parliament in the Derbyshire constituency of Bolsover. Ms Harrison is best suited to deliver for the people of Wellingborough and is the partner of Peter Bone.

5. Ankit Love Jay Mala (Independent)
Ankit Love Jay Mala, the independent candidate, has yet to provide detailed information about his campaign. His surname, listed as Jay Mala, places him in the alphabetical list.

6. Gen Kitchen (Labour Party)
Gen Kitchen, the Labour Party candidate, grew up in Northamptonshire and has worked in the charity sector her whole career. In 2019, she stood as prospective parliamentary candidate for Labour in the South Northamptonshire constituency. Ms Kitchen is committed to giving Wellingborough a voice in Westminster and restoring pride in the town and villages.

7. Alex Merola (Britain First)
Alex Merola, the Britain First candidate, is an activist for the party that campaigns on an anti-immigration message and has called for a halt to all further immigration except in specific cases. The BBC has contacted Britain First for more information on its candidate and campaign.

8. Will Morris (Green Party)
Will Morris, the Green Party candidate, is a local resident who lives in Bozeat and works as an insurance underwriter. He has been a member of the Green Party for five years and has stood as the party’s candidate for North Northamptonshire Council in Irchester and Rushden South. Mr Morris is committed to promoting the wellbeing of the residents and focusing on local issues.

9. Andre Pyne-Bailey (Independent)
Andre Pyne-Bailey, the independent candidate, was born and grew up in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He studied electrical engineering and later went to the US to study computer science. Mr Pyne-Bailey has worked for various companies in IT and also volunteered at the South London Family Centre in Lambeth. He believes he has the skills to further the interests of the community and promote growth in the towns and villages.

10. Marion Turner-Hawes (Independent)
Marion Turner-Hawes, the independent candidate, was brought up in Kettering and now lives in Wellingborough with her wife Karon. She serves as an independent Wellingborough Town councillor and works as a community consultant supporting organisations in the area. Ms Turner-Hawes is committed to being the people’s champion and advocate in Parliament. She has been a central campaigner to stop an avenue of lime trees being cut down in the constituency.

11. Kevin Watts (Independent)
Kevin Watts, the independent candidate, was born in Park Hospital (now Isebrook Hospital) in Wellingborough. He served as an officer in Northamptonshire Police and has been councillor for Irchester Parish Council for over 10 years and is currently its vice-chairman. Mr Watts is a Unite trade union member and believes unions give working people a voice collectively. He wants to speak on behalf of the people in the constituency and give them a voice that has been missing for years.

In conclusion, the Wellingborough by-election presents an intriguing mix of candidates with diverse backgrounds, policies, and aspirations. As the electorate prepares to make their choice, it is essential to consider each candidate’s merits and how they align with the voters’ priorities. The outcome of this by-election could have significant implications for the political landscape of Northamptonshire and beyond.