Commenting on the election of Manuela Perteghella as MP for Stratford on Avon, Stratford CAN spokesperson David Spencer said,
“Stratford CAN extends our warmest congratulations to Lib Dem candidate Manuela Perteghella for her victory in Stratford Upon Avon in the General Election.
Stratford has been a Conservative seat since it was created in 1950. Voters here have not lost their conservative values. But they have had enough of a Conservative Party taking them for granted firstly with an absentee MP in Nadhim and latterly with a parachute candidate from Greater Manchester with no local links and a shocking Parliamentary record, in Chris Clarkson.
Stratford voters wanted better. They wanted genuine local representation from a local candidate. That is what they have voted for, and the onus now in on Manuela to act as a strong voice for Stratford in Westminster.
We will continue as a campaign group to ensure she does just that, holding her to account as our elected representative in Stratford to ensure she is acting in the best of interests of local voters rather than the interests of her party.
If Manuela does not deliver for the people of Stratford, and the Conservatives do not select strong local candidates in future elections, we will not hesitate to offer local voters a local choice.
Stratford CAN do better than Nadhim Zahawi and Chris Clarkson. And we will strive to ensure that Manuela meets the expectations and needs of her constituents.”