THE MAYOR of Malvern is set to go head to head with MP Harriett Baldwin in next year’s general election.
Julian Roskams has been confirmed as Malvern Hills Green Party Parliamentary candidate for the West Worcestershire seat.
Mayor Roskams was first elected to Malvern Town Council in 2011 and since 2012 has represented Malvern West on the district council, where he is now the leader of the authority’s largest opposition; the Democratic Group.
He has lived in the town for 16 years and set up a small business following a career in publishing.
Julian said: “I am delighted to have been chosen as the Green Party’s prospective Parliamentary candidate.
“My experience with many local community groups and campaigns has proved to me that people don’t want or need politicians to tell them what to do or how to do it.
“People don’t trust politicians because too many politicians don’t trust the people. My role as their MP will be to give communities the tools and let them get on with the job.
“It’s time to stop the blame game and to trust our people.”
He has outlined issues of primary concern to him as the economy, public services and transport, health, housing, energy, local business development and the local community.
Many will be familiar with Julian from his time as Town Mayor, and he is currently serving his second term following a unanimous re-election earlier this year.
He said: “It has been a huge honour to be twice elected as mayor of Malvern. I have been able to see first hand what I always knew; that what makes Malvern really special is its people.
“There is such a sense of community, with so many people working hard, often with little recognition, to make this such a special place to live and work.
“They are the embodiment of the values I hold dear; fairness, inclusiveness, honesty, integrity of community.”
John Blewitt, chairman of the Malvern Hills Green Party, added: “Julian is an excellent candidate. He knows Malvern and West Worcestershire extremely well and is very aware of the issues that concern local people.
“With Julian as our candidate Malvern Hills Green Party offers the only credible alternative to the Conservatives and Lib Dems.
“On austerity, the NHS, railways, the living wage, and much more, the Green Party is the only political party with fresh ideas and attractive policies that can really make a positive difference.”
