A SECONDARY school teacher has been chosen to speak on behalf of Taunton Deane Labour Party on local and national issues.

Taunton-born Jonathan Barter, who has taught history for nearly 10 years, was selected as the group's Parliamentary spokesperson.

His teaching career has seen him work in schools on Taunton, Sedgemoor, and South Somerset.

He currently works in Taunton which has given a particular passion for serving the needs of families and children.

Commenting on Mr Barter's, Taunton Deane Labour Party chairman Estelle Smillie said: “I’m delighted Jonathan has been appointed as Parliamentary spokesperson.

"His enthusiasm and dedication are tangible and I look forward to this exciting new chapter with Jonathan in the role.”

Mr Barter said: “I am excited to have been endorsed by Labour Party members in Taunton and Wellington to provide a strong voice for Labour voters on national and local issues.

"I am passionate about serving the needs of people throughout my community.

“After nearly a decade and a half of Conservative-led government, we have seen the decimation of our public services, neglect of the most vulnerable, complacency over the challenge of climate change and inaction on the cost-of-living crisis.

"The Conservatives have been asleep at the wheel and people on the doorstep want change.”

He added: “We are less than 18 months away from perhaps the most important general election in a generation.

"The Labour Party are the only option to form a new government.

"It is only by delivering a Labour majority at Westminster that we can see the back of a government that has let this country down.”

“I am excited to meet voters across Taunton and Wellington in the coming months to better understand what matters to them.”