My name is Denise Scott-McDonald and I am your Labour parliamentary candidate for the constituency of Sevenoaks for the next General election.

Full statement

First, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone, I have met so far, who has made me feel so at home.

Here is a little bit about myself, I am a former deputy Leader and currently a cabinet lead, in the south London borough of Greenwich. An area that has many of the similar characteristics of Sevenoaks and Swanley, it has areas of affluence and pockets of both unseen and seen poverty, and at the same time, it's residents are facing some of the same challenges, like the cost of living crisis, a local NHS that is under enormous pressures, and a lack of affordable housing. I want to fight to change this.

Also Sevenoaks and Swanley are experiencing regeneration and growth, which again is similar to an area I currently represent. I know what it takes to bring key stakeholders together to fight for investment and deliver the changes that people want. I am used to working at both the strategic and local level to challenge and bring positive change to an area experiencing growth.

I am used to working in and winning a challenging seat. Since 2014, I have been a ward councillor in the marginal ward, a seat that have been targeted by the main opposition in that area. Having the experience, skillsets and resilience to fight a chanllenging seat will be important to fighting for Labour in this part of Kent and I believe I have it.

I am a strong and active Labour campaigner. Since 2008, I have worked on all the General Elections, and London mayoral, Europeans and local council election campaigns for the Labour Party, as well as numerous by-elections. Also I have been the CLP Secretary and held numerous positions at both constituency and branch level.

Outside of local government, I am the President of the National Members Council (NMC) for the Coop Group, a national position within the cooperative movement. In the role, I chair a 100-member council and represent the voice of over five million members, helping to champion cooperative solutions within a retail sector.

I have strong communications skills. From 2011 -- 2020 I lectured in journalism and media-related courses at a number of London universities teaching both undergraduate and masters students. Prior to teaching, I have worked as a journalist and news producer in both London and New York for a number of years.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet and talk to as many of you as possible. I want to hear about your concerns for the area and what you want to see Labour do. Please feel free to contact me.