Hove and Portslade Conservatives have selected a local man, Graham Cox, as their Parliamentary candidate for 2015.
Graham Cox, 52, was born in Portslade and has lived and worked in Hove for most of his life. He is the serving local Councillor for Westbourne Ward on Brighton and Hove City Council, having won the seat in a closely fought by-election in 2011.
Prior to entering local politics Graham was well known as the last Superintendent in charge of Hove Police Division before its merger with Brighton. He went on to establish the Sussex Police Major Crime Unit, overseeing all investigations into murders and organised crime in the county. As a Detective Chief Superintendent, he led Sussex CID for three years before transferring to the Home Office to lead the introduction of the national police intelligence system across the country.
Graham is the Conservative opposition spokesman for transport on the City Council and has gained a reputation as a respected councillor who speaks out persuasively on behalf of residents.
He said: “I am delighted to have been selected by Hove and Portslade Conservatives. To be chosen to stand for Parliament for my home town is a great honour. I aim to build on all the hard work done by Mike Weatherley, and ensure Hove continues to be represented by a Conservative in the next Parliament.
“I would like to thank all those who have sent their best wishes, including many political opponents, and look forward to a positive campaign which can do Hove proud.”
Away from the council chamber he digs his allotment in order to relax and occasionally successfully grows some vegetables. He is a keen supporter of Brighton and Hove and Sussex County cricket clubs and a season ticket holder at the Amex Stadium.
Linda Freedman, Chairman of the Brighton and Hove Conservatives, said: “We are thrilled to have Graham Cox representing us as our Parliamentary Candidate for 2015. Graham has many qualities and is respected by all parties and all backgrounds as can be evidenced by his vast number of Twitter followers. He is a very hardworking councillor and those skills will serve him well in the wider constituency.”
Peter Kyle, the Labour parliamentary candidate for Hove and Portslade, said: “Well done to Graham Cox on his selection. As the longest serving parliamentary candidate from a mainstream party in Hove and Portslade I know what a privilege it is.
Mike Weatherely, MP for Hove & Portslade, said: “Following my recent announcement that I will not be standing for re-election in 2015, I am absolutely delighted to introduce the new Conservative candidate for Hove and Portslade, Cllr Graham Cox. Graham was selected last week by local members of our association and I know that he will make a fantastic candidate.”
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