Candidate Profile: James Royston, Labour

JAMES was born in St Leonards, and went to school at Crowhurst Primary School, Robsack Wood School and The Grove School.

After studying for two years in Hong Kong, James studied Politics and Development Studies at the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).

Since then, he has worked locally as an English teacher, as well as for Britain in Europe, the Foreign Policy Centre and, most recently, for local MEP Peter Skinner and the Labour Party in the European Parliament.

He is a member of Community the Union and the GMB.

He said: "I am part of a new generation, ready for the challenge of rebuilding trust in politics.

I believe that people's faith in politicians is at an all-time low, and if elected, will do what I can to earn the trust of local people after the shame of the expenses scandal.

"Unlike the other candidates, I have pledged to publish my expenses online every month, and to hold regular meetings with constituents in this whole constituency '“ every last village deserves to be heard.

"Having been based in the constituency my entire life, I have seen the problems local people face and share their hopes for our area.

"I agree with the view that Bexhill and the surrounding villages have for too long been forgotten about by Westminster, due to the constituency being seen as a safe seat for the Tories '“ something I hope is about to change."