The Labour Party has announced its new candidate for the constituency of Hastings and Rye at the next General Election – an advisor to Lord Alan Sugar.
Sarah Owen, a long-time Labour activist, is currently the political advisor to The Apprentice host, businessman and peer Lord Sugar, as well as helping to formulate the party’s business policies.
The director of Labour’s South East division said of Owen’s appointment that: “Winning back Labour support in the south in places like Hastings and Rye is a big part of winning our way back into Government. With Sarah Owen, local people have a strong and talented Labour candidate ready to take the fight to David Cameron’s Tories.”
Owen is by no means an inexperienced candidate, having working in a number of industries that will have provided relevant experience should she come to office. Formerly a political assistant at Brighton and Hove City Council, Owen has also worked for both the NHS and the London Fire Brigade, in its emergency planning department.
She will stand against the incumbent Conservative MP Amber Rudd, who wrestled control of the seat from Michael Foster, and is already setting the groundwork for the challenge.
Foster spoke of his successor: “I’m delighted that we’re on course for our first woman Labour MP. Sarah will be a real match for Amber Rudd, and I look forward to some exciting local campaigning in the months and years ahead.”
Owen is ambitious to build on the work started by Foster, and added that: “Right now people feel let down by this Government and I will offer a positive alternative and a genuine commitment to people.”