Politics and International Relations BA Honours student Josh Dean has become the new Labour MP representing Hertford and Stortford.

On election night he received 38.5% of the votes with 20,808 votes, taking the seat from Julie Marson of the Conservative Party who came in second with 16,060 votes.

Josh Dean was elected to Hertford Town Council in May 2023. In 2021, he ran as a Labour candidate for the Hertford St Andrews division in the Hertfordshire County Council elections and came within 170 votes of winning.  

His platform is focused on tackling the cost-of-living crisis, supporting the NHS and social care, taking action on the climate crisis, ensuring safer streets for his community and increasing opportunities for residents. 

About his appointment Dean said: “It’s the honour of my life to be elected as the first ever Labour MP for Hertford and Stortford. 

“I am deeply humbled by the trust our residents have placed in me at this election. I cannot put into words how much your support means to me. I will work every day to repay that trust. To those who did not vote for me, I promise to be a voice and a representative for our whole community in Westminster.”

Also securing a seat in parliament was Fashion alumna Rosie Wrighting, who is the new Labour MP for Kettering, and Tim Roca, Westminster’s Director of College Operations in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, who is the new Labour MP for Macclesfield.  

Dean’s campaign directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 13: Climate Action and 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.  

Learn more about Politics and International Relations courses at the University of Westminster. 

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