Labour has unveiled its candidate to be the member of parliament for the South Holland and the Deepings.
Paul Hilliar (34) was born in Spalding, attended Spalding Parish Church of England Day School and the Grammar School, where he was head boy in 2007/08.
He worked at Booth’s Fruit and Veg shop and Elsoms Seeds before pursuing an acting career in which he played the lead in the West End’s The Mousetrap.
Paul says he became politicised by ‘seeing opportunities for people from areas like South Holland diminish’, and has been working for Labour leader Keir Starmer in his External Relations team.
“Being given the opportunity to represent the people of South Holland and the Deepings is the honour of my life,” Paul said. “I was born here and lived here for most of my life, so I deeply understand the issues affecting people here.
“We’ve had 14 years of Conservative government and in the conversations I have with people, no one can honestly say this area has benefited.
“Our high streets are in decline, our farmers have been let down and no one can get an NHS dentist appointment.
“How much longer can this go on?
“Only the Labour Party can challenge the Tories here. I look forward to making a positive case for change and working with the people of South Holland to restore some hope.
“The people in this area are some of the hardest working and most spirited in the whole country.
“It’s time someone stood up for them nationally and that is exactly what I will do.”