Labour names candidate to take on Jesse Norman in 'winnable' Hereford

Local teacher and community leader Joe Emmett has for some years been the face of the party locally, organising events and speaking on its behalf.

Mr Emmett, who lives with his family in Cusop near the Welsh border, is also a football coach and player, and recently ran the entire length of the river Wye to raise awareness about the environmental challenges it faces.

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“Our community deserves a representative who not only understands our needs but is also deeply invested in creating a better future for all,” he said.

“I am committed to advocating for improved public services, affordable and social housing, environmental sustainability and fair funding for our county.”

Local Labour Party chair Paul Dawson added: “We are delighted to have such a strong and passionate local candidate.

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“Joe and Labour are the only alternative to the Tories in Hereford and South Herefordshire.”

Recent polling gives some credence to the claim, with a Survation poll earlier this year giving the party a projected 1 per cent winning margin in the seat.

But a YouGov poll last month put Mr Norman on 34 per cent, five percentage points above Labour on 29 per cent.