The Green Party has confirmed Samantha Fletcher as its prospective parliamentary candidate for the Chippenham constituency.

Mrs Fletcher has an MA in Economics, is the author of six books and works part-time as an editor for the Economist group.

She grew up near Calne and now lives near Bromham with husband Mark, who is contesting the Devizes seat for the Green Party.

Mrs Fletcher said: “I joined the Green Party ten years ago because I want to help to create a better future for generations to come. The Greens are the only party to take a long-term view, based on what really matters, rather than what will spin well in the media.

“We need a reliable and sustainable energy network; in Chippenham-based Good Energy, we are lucky to have an energy provider that is helping to change the face of energy in Britain, and putting locally generated, renewable power first.

“Instead of raging against immigration, we should look at what pushes and pulls people to leave their homes and families and try to tackle those.”