A British Army officer who stood against former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is Great Yarmouth's new Conservative General Election candidate.

The borough's Conservative association has named James Clark as its parliamentary candidate for July 4.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: James Clark is Great Yarmouth's Conservative candidate for 2024.James Clark is Great Yarmouth's Conservative candidate for 2024. (Image: Conservative Party)

Having served in the army, ran two small businesses, and worked in the NHS with an international charity, Mr Clark said he can relate to many ordinary people, as well as identify the challenges and opportunities they face.

Mr Clark’s campaign will focus on economic development, healthcare and education, infrastructure improvements, community engagement and protecting our borders.

Mr Clark said: "I am delighted to have been selected as the Conservative candidate for the constituency of Great Yarmouth. I want to thank outgoing MP Brandon Lewis for everything he has done in the constituency and at Westminster and hope I can make a similar impact given the opportunity.

"More investment in infrastructure projects we can all benefit from, less regulation and red tape strangling our local businesses and completing the James Paget Hospital redevelopment are my priorities."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Sir Brandon Lewis pictured in 2010, shortly before becoming MP for Great Yarmouth.Sir Brandon Lewis pictured in 2010, shortly before becoming MP for Great Yarmouth.

Mr Clark added he is dedicated to working closely with residents, listening to their concerns, and acting on their behalf.

Previously, he took on former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for the seat in Islington North in the 2017 and 2019 general elections.

Since Sir Brandon Lewis' announcement that he would not be standing again, the constituency had been left without a Tory candidate. Last week, Great Yarmouth Conservative Association chairman Robert Price said his team had been planning for an October election. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Rishi Sunak, on May 22, announcing the date of the next general election.Rishi Sunak, on May 22, announcing the date of the next general election. (Image: PA)Today's announcement leaves the Tories just five weeks to campaign until the people go to the polls on July 4.

Sir Brandon has endorsed Mr Clark, stating, "I have every confidence that he will successfully represent and serve the people of Great Yarmouth."

Labour's candidate is Keir Cozens, while Reform UK is fielding Rupert Lowe, former chairman of Southampton Football Club, and retired Army Major Trevor Rawson has announced his candidacy for the Green Party.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The nation will go to the polls on July 4.The nation will go to the polls on July 4. (Image: Rui Vieira/PA Wire)