Jim Clarke
 Jim Clarke  (politician) | |
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| Alma mater | University of Life |
Jim Clarke is the Labour Party candidate in the Sleaford by-election on 8 December 2016 which was caused by the resignation of Tory MP Stephen Phillips over the issue of Brexit.
Dustman, former postman and GMB activist, Jim Clarke faced a challenge from all three major parties – Conservative, Lib Dems and UKIP – and had to overturn a Tory majority of 24,115 to win. In the event, the Tory candidate Caroline Johnson comfortably held the seat, with UKIP coming a distant second and Labour's Jim Clarke slipping to fourth place behind the Lib Dems.[1]
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Ready to be Sleaford's next MP
Quickest off the mark amongst the other parties, the local Constituency Labour Party selected its candidate on 9 November 2016. Jim Clarke said:
- “We have a Tory government with no plan for Brexit. Here in Sleaford and North Hykeham 62% of people voted for Brexit.
- “But they didn’t vote to put their jobs at risk, they didn’t vote to lose their rights at work and they didn’t vote for price rises on everyday essentials.
- “Immigration played a big part in the Brexit result and I will not ignore that. We need to earn people’s trust and show that we respect will of the people, but will also hold the government to account on ensuring the best deal for Britain, which protects our local jobs.
- "I will be a campaigning candidate, and I will be out on the doors from tomorrow, standing up for local people showing them that only Labour will put Sleaford and North Hykeham first.
- "I am ready for the challenge to be Sleaford’s next MP."[2]
Corbyn "on the stump" at Sleaford
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn came to Sleaford on 20 November 2016 and addressed an enthusiastic rally from the stump of a tree in support of Jim Clarke.[3]
Interviewed by the Lincolnshire Reporter
On 2 December 2016, the Lincolnshire Reporter published interviews with Jim Clarke and eight other candidates standing in the by-election.[4]
