My name is Tony McGrath, and I was born at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary in 1990.

Full statement

A proud father of one, I have lived in and around the Netherton area of Huddersfield my entire life. As a product of our local schools - Netherton & South Crosland Junior School, Newsome High, and Greenhead College - I am deeply rooted in our community.

I am honoured to represent you as the Conservative candidate for the 2024 General Election for my hometown of Huddersfield.

Growing up in a working-class family, with my mother as a civil servant and my father as a local electrician, I understand the challenges our community faces. My older brother, a Major in the British Army, also lives locally, stengthening our family’s commitment to service.

So we know first-hand what it’s been like having a Labour MP for our entire lives. Through successive different governments, parts of our town have been taken for granted and forgotten.

I wouldn’t let that happen if I were privileged enough to become your MP.

Whatever happens in Westminster, my first focus would be to the people of Huddersfield. To those communities that have felt abandoned by Labour, who suffer due to local Labour infighting. Serving as a Councillor for a nearby ward, I witness daily how they put themselves first before the people of our proud town.

And Huddersfield has lots to be proud of.

The Transpennine Rail Upgrade, the Huddersfield Open Market, over £1 billion of investment already happening and coming to the town over the next few years. Businesses expanding, over 11,090 apprenticeships since 2010. 974 more police for West Yorkshire.

But there is still lots to do.

With your support I’ll be your Local Champion, making sure no community is left behind and never taking your vote for granted.

Working in the private sector and years of experience running community events, I understand the fabric of our town. Of what makes the people here proud to be from Huddersfield.

I became the first Conservative Councillor in Holme Valley North in 15 years. And I believe I can be the first Conservative Member of Parliament for Huddersfield in a generation.

The town needs change, and now is the perfect time to make that change possible.

Let’s try something different and build a brighter future for Huddersfield together.