Hartlepool Green candidate selected

The Green Party has selected a leading local campaigner to contest the Hartlepool by-election.

Forty-nine-year-old Iris Ryder, born and bred in Hartlepool and a community activist since her teens, will be the Green candidate in the election of 30 September.

Iris Ryder's campaigning track record includes:

- Actively campaigning against the US 'Ghost Fleet' and other proposals for toxic waste disposal in the area - Campaigning against hospital closure - Campaigning for better public transport in the borough - Being a founder member of both Hartlepool Friends of the Earth and Nuclear Free Future - Being an elected residents' representative on the Hartlepool Partnership, the local strategic development partnership and other local bodies

Iris commented on her candidacy - the first time she has been an election candidate:

"The Green Party represents just about everything I've stood for. Its policies give an explanation for those issues I've always instinctively felt were just and right. Its not just about the environment, its about local jobs, local services and the threats in globalisation."

Cllr Nic Best, a spokesperson for the North East England Green Party, said:

"We're proud that Iris has agreed to be the Green candidate in Hartlepool. She's a natural community campaigner, and a genuine and committed person."