Saqhib to stand against Alistair

A crowded selection meeting in Biggleswade saw Saqhib Ali, 43, chosen to fight the seat currently held by Alistair Burt.

Saqhib, who has lived in Bedfordshire since the age of eight, attended Woodside Middle School, Bedford Modern School through the Government Assisted Places scheme, followed by the University of Leeds where he obtained a BSc (Hons). He works in Bedford in financial services.

Saqhib said: “I am a firm supporter of equal rights and opportunities for all, especially the many thousands of low paid and part-time workers, and everyone else affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

“Over the past four years I have watched this Tory-led government systematically dismantle all that Labour achieved and I am determined to help correct that.

“I want to see economic growth, more local employment and a better choice of affordable housing, both social and private and, particularly, a stronger, more sustainable, Bedford Hospital.

“I want everyone to understand that Labour is the party for all putting fairness and social justice at its core.”