Labour has chosen Ipswich-based businessman Kevin Craig as its candidate to challenge Dr Dan Poulter in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich in this year's general election.

Mr Craig founded a company now employing 100 people across the UK including the largest communications agency in the East of England - PLMR Genesis.

During the Covid 19 pandemic, he trained as a volunteer vaccinator with St John’s Ambulance working with a number of NHS Trusts including working out of the Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ipswich.

Mr Craig served over a decade as a school governor, as a charity trustee and served as an elected councillor for 17 years. He currently sits on the Eastern Powerhouse Board pushing for a stronger regional economy.

Mr Craig has previously raised money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and also supported Felixstowe Coastal Patrol’s lifesaving sea rescue patrols. He was a Torchbearer at the London 2012 Olympics, nominated for his charity work.

Speaking after his selection Mr Craig said: “I am hugely proud to be Labour’s candidate for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich.

"I work in Ipswich, have family across the whole of Suffolk and was campaigning for a better Suffolk as far back as 2005.

“With the vision and decency of Keir Starmer and his team, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to change our country, have excellent public services, care for our environment, and have a thriving economy and opportunities for all.

“I offer many years of public service and private sector expertise, combined with a long-standing historical commitment to Suffolk and Ipswich.”

Dr Poulter had a majority of 23,000 over Labour in the 2019 general election.

There have been major changes to the seat - the northern half of it, area-wise, has been taken by the new Waveney Valley seat and it has gained Needham Market.

But the vast majority of 2019 voters, including those in North Ipswich, Kesgrave and Claydon areas, remain in the seat.