THE Green Party is aiming to appear on General Election ballot papers in St Helens for the first time after selecting a junior doctor and a zoology graduate as their candidates.

Elizabeth Ward, from Dentons Green, has been selected as prospective parliamentary candidate for St Helens North, with Dr James Chan from Eccleston chosen to contest the St Helens South and Whiston seat. 

Elizabeth, 22, attended De la Salle High School before studying physics, chemistry, biology and French at Carmel College. A zoology graduate of the University of Reading, she runs a café bar as well as writing for a number of publications, including her own music blog.

James, 30, attended Rainford High Technology College before moving to Leeds to train as a doctor.

As a junior doctor, he has long campaigned against the privatisation of the NHS at home and has volunteered as a doctor around the world. 

In a statement, announcing her selection, Miss Ward said: “I love my home town, but having been away and come back I know it could be so much better. 

“Britain is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, but this wealth isn’t being shared fairly. Too many people and too many places in our borough have been abandoned by the ‘established’ parties with their ‘business-as-usual’ politics. It’s time for change.”

Dr Chan said: “As a doctor working in A&E, I know first hand just how the NHS has been let down, and how the most vulnerable in society are suffering.

“The main parties have maintained an economic system that concentrates power, influence and money in the hands of a privileged few

“We want to give local voters real choice at the ballot box between those who govern on behalf of vested interests and a party that wants to ensure everyone gets a fair share. That’s why I joined the Green Party and why I want to work for a fairer future for St Helens.” 

St Helens Green Party aims to raise at least £1,000 – a £500 deposit for each constituency – in order to be able to contest both seats. 

Help boost the party's election fund at The party is appealing to supporters across the borough to visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/StHelensGoGreen and help boost the party’s election fighting fund.