THE Labour Party has selected its parliamentary candidate for the new Somerton and Glastonbury constituency.

Hal Hooberman will face off against Faye Purbrick (Conservative) and current MP Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrat), both of which were announced as candidates back in 2023.

Mr Hooberman was born, raised and went to state school in Bruton, in the east of the new constituency.

He now works as a Parliamentary Researcher for a senior Labour Member of Parliament.

“It is a real honour to be Labour’s parliamentary candidate right here at home. Our beautiful part of Somerset means the world to me and my family," Mr Hooberman said.

"As your Labour Member of Parliament, I will champion sustainable farming, our rural economy and hold water companies to account for their illegal sewage discharges into our rivers.

“I am determined to be the energetic, passionate voice that makes sure my home and our beautiful part of Somerset benefits from a transformative Labour Government.”

Mr Hooberman also outlined Labour's plan for the nation if Keir Starmer is elected as Prime Minister.

"Labour has a fully costed and funded plan which marks the first steps in the country’s renewal," he said.

"Getting the economy moving again through changing outdated planning laws and a new partnership with business.

"Firing up Great British Energy, a new publicly owned energy company to drive the transition to clean power that Britain needs.

"Getting NHS waiting lists down through 2 million more NHS procedures and appointments, and tackling the crisis in dentistry by providing 700,000 extra dental appointments and recruiting dentists in areas of the greatest need.

"Recruiting 6,500 more expert teachers to boost standards and ensure that every child has access to high-quality education provision.

"13,000 more police and PCSOs, paid for through by cutting waste and forcing the police to better pool their resources, and widening the ban on online sales of large bladed weapons."