blur drummer Dave Rowntree will stand for Labour at the general election.
The musician is set to have a busy year, with blur’s ongoing reunion set to touch down at Coachella for a special performance. Alongside this, he might have the small matter of an electoral battle to overcome, having been selected as Labour’s candidate for Mid Sussex.
A long-time politically active person, Dave Rowntree was previously selected as a Labour councillor for Norfolk County Council, before standing down in 2021, citing shielding responsibilities to his family during the pandemic.
Releasing a solo album last year, he’s now aiming to wrestle Mid Sussex away from the Conservatives.
In a note to potential constituents, he writes:
“Residents have their best chance in a generation to make their vote count and return a Labour MP to parliament. The Tories have run out of ideas, and the Lib Dems have run out of steam. I’m running for parliament to provide the energy and vision the area so desperately needs.”
The Conservatives must call a general election before January 28th – speculation is mounting that it will be in Autumn.
Clash spoke to Dave Rowntree last year, and he reflected on his myriad of personal projects. “It’s reinforced the idea that it’s worth taking risks,” he says. “It’s not always obvious that it’s the right thing to do. But when it works, it’s life-affirming.”
Find the interview HERE.
