Dr Gurpreet Padda (she/her) has today 20th March 2024 been selected as parliamentary candidate for Waveney Valley.

Full statement

As an environmental scientist, Gurpreet is committed to working hard in the area of environmental science and conservation. She has worked at the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) lab in Lowestoft and is working in government, and completed her PhD in Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia. Gurpreet is founder of Black Ocean Citizens, a non-profit aimed at connecting diverse and underrepresented communities to water-based and ocean sciences. As well as working in Norwich, she also serves Lakenham ward as Norwich City Councillor and is involved in decisions concerning the provision of affordable housing, tackling crime, equality & diversity, climate change and creating opportunities for local training and employment.

With ties across Waveney Valley, Norfolk and Suffolk, Gurpreet lives in Norwich with her husband, two children and Luna the dog. Daughter of first generation immigrants, Gurpreet understands the value of hard work and being part of a community. She enjoys listening to music, spending time with her family and friends outdoors and on the river, fishing.

Gurpreet says "I am aware of challenges facing the Waveney Valley community including poor services as a result of dwindling public finance and not having enough low carbon affordable homes to support growing local families. With Labour marked as the succeeding party, no other candidate can and will ensure local voices are heard in Parliament."

"I am excited to be representing Waveney Valley. With Labour in government, I want to be a strong advocate for local people in Westminster. Issues that are important to me are:

Cleaner -- As part of Labour's Clean Energy goals, hold water companies to account to ensure Good Environmental Status is achieved regarding the health of River Waveney

Greener -- With Labour's Green Prosperity and Great British Energy plans, mandate for low carbon affordable new homes to support local jobs and services

Fairer -- As part of Labour's modern childcare system, support local families with child care to enable families to stay local with better paid, good quality jobs, and low carbon affordable new homes."