Feargal Sharkey in Brighton to back Labour election campaign

The frontman and environmental campaigner, who has backed the Gomez star to become the next MP for Brighton Pavilion, spoke to Labour activists and supporters at a campaign launch event this weekend.

Dozens of people gathered at the event at St Augustine’s Arts and Events Centre in Stanford Avenue, Brighton, and took part in canvassing across parts of the constituency.

Labour is hopeful of winning the constituency, represented by the only Green MP, following success at the local election in Brighton and Hove last year. 

Tom Gray said: “We had an amazing day. All of the activists were thrilled to meet Feargal and wherever we went we met voters switching to Labour.

“I’m hugely pleased that after weeks of preparation to finally get the show on the road.”

Feargal Sharkey said: “From all the years I have watched Tom campaign, I can say, without doubt, he is one of the most committed, disciplined and fantastically effective people I have ever met.

“There is no question, he will be the best MP Brighton Pavilion has ever elected.”

Mr Gray, 46, who lives in Brunswick in Hove, aims to use his experience as a performer and activist in the music industry to restore the UK’s cultural influence.

He also hopes to deliver action on the climate emergency and tackle the state of the NHS if elected.

If successful, Mr Gray would be the first Labour MP for Brighton Pavilion since David Lepper.

The constituency is currently represented by Green MP Caroline Lucas, who was first elected in 2010.

Ms Lucas is standing down as an MP at the next general election, with former London mayoral candidate Sian Berry picked as the Green Party’s candidate for the constituency.

Two other candidates for other parties have been announced for Brighton Pavilion so far, Carl Buckfield for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Ashley Ridley for the Liberal Democrats.