A single mother-of-two from Amersham has thrown her hat in the ring to become the next Chesham and Amersham MP.

Part of the recently founded Breakthrough Party, Carla Gregory will be its candidate for the upcoming by-election to replace late MP Dame Cheryl Gillan, who sadly died over Easter following a long illness.

Ms Gregory, 31, is a charity worker and has lived in Amersham since she was eight-years-old, having previously lived in Chesham.

She said she decided to stand as the party’s candidate as she wants to help the people of her area and believes Breakthrough “is the only party committed to real change”.

She said: “Standing up for people who are marginalised in society is very important to me and the Breakthrough Party does just this, as well as not being afraid to say it how it really is and always tackling the toughest issues facing our society.

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“There is no way in 2021 anyone should be homeless or hungry.”

Ms Gregory added she has “always been politically motivated but after years of hearing the same old promises and excuses, decided to do something about it”.

The former Amersham School pupil says she knows it will be a “hard fight” but is looking forward to the challenge and “determined to be a voice for those across the constituency who’ve had enough of being ignored”.

She added: “I’m running for MP of Chesham and Amersham because there is no one representing people who struggle to keep up with the cost of living in this constituency.

“This is my hometown and where I am raising my children, so I want the best possible future for them and Chesham and Amersham.

“For far too long the gap between the rich and the poor has been widening here and I want to be the voice of the unheard residents.”

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Alex Mays, 30, who founded the Breakthrough Party less than six months ago, says it is “time for something new”.

He added: “This is going to be an exciting grassroots campaign. We want to take our unapologetic, anti-establishment message to the people in Chesham and Amersham who want real change and something to hope for.

“In Carla, we have a fantastic candidate who truly cares about her community and has the passion and determination to make this such a better place to live for everyone.”

The by-election is expected to be held on June 17.