Hal Hooberman has been chosen as the Labour Party's parliamentary candidate for the new constituency of Glastonbury and Somerton in the upcoming general election.

Born and raised in Bruton, Hooberman attended state school in the area and currently works as a Parliamentary Researcher for a senior Labour Member of Parliament.

Hooberman said: "It is a real honour to be Labour's parliamentary candidate right here at home. Our beautiful part of Somerset means the world to me and my family."

As a candidate, Hooberman aims to address several key issues affecting the area.

He plans to advocate for sustainable farming, support the rural economy, and hold water companies accountable for illegal sewage discharges into rivers.

Hooberman emphasises Labour's plan, which includes initiatives such as:

• "Getting the economy moving again through changing outdated planning laws and a new partnership with business."
• "Firing up Great British Energy, a new publicly owned energy company to drive the transition to clean power that Britain needs."
• "Getting NHS waiting lists down through 2 million more NHS procedures and appointments, and tackling the crisis in dentistry by providing 700,000 extra dental appointments and recruiting dentists in areas of the greatest need."
• "Recruiting 6,500 more expert teachers to boost standards and ensure that every child has access to high-quality education provision."
• "13,000 more police and PCSOs, paid for through by cutting waste and forcing the police to better pool their resources, and widening the ban on online sales of large bladed weapons."

"I am determined to be the energetic, passionate voice that makes sure my home and our beautiful part of Somerset benefits from a transformative Labour Government," Hooberman added.

The candidate list for the upcoming election reflects the constituency's dynamic political environment. The Liberal Democrats have nominated Sarah Dyke, the recent by-election victor in Somerton and Frome, signalling strong intent to consolidate their presence. The Conservatives have put forward Faye Purbrick, aiming to retain their historical influence in the area. Tom Carter is standing for Reform UK, Jon Cousins for the Green Party, Angela Henderson representing the Workers Party of Britain, and Hal Hooberman for Labour.