Jenny Reeves

Statement to voters

“I have lived in the constituency, in Faversham, for most of my life. I met my husband here and we have brought our three children up in the town. This wonderful constituency is where I and my family call home - and we’re immensely proud and honoured to do so.. I have always been a passionate political campaigner - from marching in my teens against animal testing to my current role as an ambassador for 50:50 Parliament, fighting for equal representation for women in politics. I’m actively involved in the campaign to prevent the closure of Faversham’s Crown Post Office, have led efforts to oppose the Cleve Hill solar park, and enthusiastically support local environmental concerns such as the Save Our Tree campaign. My most treasured role is as a devoted carer for my husband, who lives with disabilities - and I’m partially deaf myself. As a family we have felt, at first-hand, the real effects of the brutal austerity programme pursued by recent Conservative governments and their coalition partners. In recent years it has become painfully obvious that more and more damage is being done to our constituency as a result of politically-motivated funding cuts and the closure or slashing of services - from early years education to the reduction of services for the elderly. There is, it seems, no part of everyday life left untouched. This affects us all at some point, and it is evident that many families are under significant strain, through no fault of their own. This, for me, is unacceptable. With social injustice and the clear gap between the ‘haves and have nots’ becoming ever clearer, I have been approached more and more to support and help local people facing unprecedented issues. Across the constituency the stories are the same; insecure housing, educational issues, debt, the sick and disabled forced to use foodbanks, the elderly obliged to choose between heating and eating and, perhaps most disturbingly, the lack of police to deal with crime. It is only by electing a Labour Government that this damage to our communities can be undone. I will work hard to represent every part of the constituency and ensure that everyone is able to access the services and support they deserve. I was asked to stand as a candidate in this election by members of my party, trade unions and members of the public. My family and I are agreed that now is the time. Hard-working families have been let down, public services have been decimated and local councils have been starved of funds. We need a fundamental change in this country and I need to help bring that about.”

Election history

Westminster general elections