A FORMER Romsey resident who studied at Mountbatten School has been selected as the Labour candidate for Northampton South in the next general election.

Mike Reader, 38, lived in Romsey in his early years, attending the Romsey Infants and Juniors schools before they merged into Romsey Primary School, before attending Mountbatten.

Mr Reader went to Totton College, where he swam for Romsey and Totton, and Loughborough University. Since graduating, he worked in construction for 15 years as a civil engineer, before becoming a proposal specialist, leading a team of 50 people across the globe.

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He currently lives in Northampton and volunteers his time as the chief operating officer of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals, as well as supporting a number of construction and procurement industry groups. 

An active campaigner, he supports the Beyond Food Foundation which helps people who may be homeless or from disadvantaged backgrounds to work in catering and hospitality.

Speaking after his selection, Mr Reader said he will fight for a "greener, more prosperous, fairer future for Northampton."

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He added, "Voters are telling me on the doorstep that they're crying out for a fresh start in Northampton under Labour."

Mike’s father, Peter Reader, said that he and Mike’s mother are “positively delighted” about his selection.

Peter, who still lives in Romsey on Woodley Lane, said: “We’re fascinated by the process as well, so we’ll see what happens in the next 18 months.”