Phil GibbyLABOUR'S new candidate for the west Wilts constituency has admitted he has no chance of winning the seat at next year's general election.

Phil Gibby, a 34-year-old trade unionist from Bristol, was announced as the party's candidate to challenge the Tory stronghold seat of Westbury this week, but is realistic about the impact he can have in west Wiltshire.

The married father-of-three and member of the trade union Amicus-MSF pledged to campaign on the "positive benefits" the government is bringing to the area.

He said: "We are entirely realistic and there's no chance of us winning. What we'll do is campaign on our financial record in government.

"Westbury is one of the remaining places in the UK with a Conservative Member of Parliament.

"But it hasn't been a Conservative MP who has delivered a stable economy, low unemployment, falling hospital waiting lists and extra money for public services.

"The truth is that this Labour government is bringing positive benefits to Westbury day in, day out and that's the record I'll be campaigning on."

After the controversy surrounding candidates' backgrounds in the recent Hartlepool by-election, Mr Gibby knows his own address means he must work hard to get to know west Wiltshire.

He said: "I was happy to stand anywhere within an hour's drive. I'm not going to pretend that I'm the local candidate.

"I'm not Trowbridge born and bred. But I promise that I will work my socks off to give Labour a clear voice."

Mr Gibby will attempt to raise his profile by holding public events and knocking on as many doors as possible and says he is "at the start of a process".

He said: "Talking to local people is what it's all about whether the Labour Party is in power or opposition. The campaign from my point of view is that Labour listens."

Mr Gibby, who was selected at a party meeting in Trowbridge, has been a Labour member since 1991.

He describes his 'cultural sector' job as encouraging arts organisations and businesses to work together to build stronger communities.

Labour's south west regional director Sheila Murphy said: "Phil is a talented committed candidate who will give voters a positive choice for Labour in the next general election."

Current Tory MP and shadow health minister Dr Murrison won the last election in 2001 with a majority of 5,294.

West Wiltshire district councillor and Holt resident Duncan Hames has already been announced as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the constituency.