LABOUR supporters were joined by a familiar face on Saturday morning as they set out for another day of General Election campaigning.

Julia Drown, the Labour MP for the area from 1997 until 2005, hit the streets with party members to knock on doors and distribute leaflets in support of the party’s candidate on June 8, Sarah Church.

Members from the Swindon branch of the GMB union were also out in force for a co-ordinated campaign day.

Mrs Church, herself a GMB member, thanked the organisation for its support and said how delighted she was that Julia had also made the time to come out and support her campaign.

Before setting out to knock on doors, Julia said: “I’ve been doing some campaigning in other places but I wanted especially to come over and support Sarah.

“I think she’s a great candidate - she’s clearly got the leadership skills which are so important for a parliamentarian.

“She knows Swindon well, she’s a young mum so she experiences what many others go through in Swindon and I think she’s got the town’s interests at heart along with huge energy and enthusiasm.

“She’s aware of the needs of families, businesses and older people and to me seems just the right person for Swindon.”

Her victory in the 2001 General Election saw Labour gain a 16.9 per cent majority in South Swindon, a level of support that has reduced in each contest since.

Last time round, in 2015, Conservative Robert Buckland was elected for a second consecutive term with a majority of 11.7 per cent.

Julia said she believes it is important that Labour return to winning ways in bellwether towns like Swindon.

“Labour does need to win in towns like Swindon,” she said. “But Swindon also needs Labour representatives.

“People who will really fight for public services, for older people and in the best interests of business.

“I would urge people to vote and take part in our democracy and I’d love to see Sarah elected.”