Great Yarmouth's Labour Party candidate has been announced

Keir Cozens was selected as the Labour candidate on Wednesday night.

Mr Cozens, originally from Barningham, near Thetford, said being selected to represent the constituency in the next general election is "the honour of his life".

"This is a brilliant place to visit, live, work and invest in," he said. 

"But for too long, Great Yarmouth has been told to put up with second best."

Despite not being from the town, Mr Cozens said he had an affection for Yarmouth, having spent family holidays and day trips there.

Trevor Wainwright with other Labour members, including Sarah Owen (left), MP for Luton North. Great Yarmouth Labour candidate Keir Cozens is at the back. - Labour Party (Image: Labour Party)

"I grew up not too far away from here, on the Norfolk and Suffolk border," said Mr Cozens.

"Our region is where I first found work, and where my family and friends have built their lives. 

"I’ve seen the worry over bills, the stress of putting food on the table, the cost of childcare eating up wages every month.

"People here have been taken for granted by Brandon Lewis and the Tories for far too long. Our infrastructure is falling apart, the cost of living is skyrocketing, and the NHS is at breaking point. Crime is up, bills are up, waiting times are up. The list goes on.

"And while hardworking families struggle to make ends meet, Great Yarmouth's Tory MP has been cashing in on second jobs.

"It’s time for change."

Mr Cozens added that if he becomes Great Yarmouth's MP, he will be hard working, fight in their corner and "get on with the job".

Sir Brandon Lewis (centre) cuts the ribbon at a new EV charging hub in Great Yarmouth. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Incumbent MP Sir Brandon Lewis, when asked about Mr Cozen's candidacy, said: "I don't know Keir, but I'm sure he's a very nice guy.

"I'm sure he will enjoy his time in Great Yarmouth."

The next general election is yet to be announced, but it will be before January 29, 2025.