MP's son to stand for parliament

In the family way!

The Conservatives have announced who they want to go head-to-head with Labour’s Luke Pollard in Plymouth Sutton and Devonport at the next general election. 

Gareth Streeter, the son of South West Devon MP Gary Streeter has been selected as parliamentary spokesperson for the constituency. 

The younger Mr Streeter, a Plymouth-based communications consultant and writer, was chosen by Sutton and Devonport Conservatives to represent the area. 

Because of minor changes to the boundaries of the constituency which have yet to be approved by parliament, he cannot officially be called the Conservative Party candidate. Instead, he will be a spokesperson until he can formally be declared the Tory candidate.  

Mr Streeter said: “Plymouth is my home.  I was born here, went to school here and spent years working for Plymouth’s businesses.  Last year, my partner and I moved back to Plymouth and decided to make it our home for the rest of our lives.”

Current MP for Sutton and Devonport, Labour’s Luke Pollard, has held the seat since 2017 when he ousted the former Tory MP, Oliver Colville. 

But Mr Streeter insists the Tories will ensure the best opportunities for Plymothians.

“Plymouth has benefited from 13 years of Conservative government,” he claimed.  “We have seen real improvement in our local schools and significant job creation at Devonport Dockyard.  

“The forthcoming Freeport will help Plymouth grasp the benefits of Brexit, bringing a new wave of investment to the shores of our Ocean City.

“Under the Conservative government, our higher and further education sector has flourished.”

Chairman of Plymouth Sutton and Devonport Conservatives, Tony Carson added: “Plymouth is an historic city bursting with potential for the future.  Nothing poses a bigger threat to the city’s prosperity than the combination of a Labour Council and a Labour government. 

"By selecting Gareth Streeter as our parliamentary spokesperson, we’re launching our campaign to turn the Parliamentary seat blue at the general election.”

Mr Streeter’s father Gary is standing down as an MP for South West Devon at the next general election.