A FORMER Army officer who spearheaded the campaign against cuts to Swindon's library service has been named as the Labour candidate for South Swindon.

Sarah Church will be aiming to overturn Conservative MP Robert Buckland's 5,785 majority when the country goes to the polls on June 8. 

Reacting to her selection, Mrs Church said: "I am delighted to have been selected to stand as the Labour Party candidate in South Swindon in June’s General Election, subject to final endorsement by the National Executive Committee.
 
"I am pleased and proud to stand in the town where my grandfather was born and where generations of my family worked inside GWR. 

"We came back to the area with my job in the Army and since leaving the forces I have campaigned to protect our libraries as the Chair of the Save Swindon’s Libraries campaign.
 
"I retired as a Major from the Army in 2015 and am dedicated to public service. 

"I am standing to be your Member of Parliament to protect our public services and to make sure everyone’s voices are heard as we negotiate a Brexit deal: a sensible deal that works for Swindon.
 
"As a parent to three daughters, and as a school governor, I am fully focused on securing education funding for all our children. 

"As the wife of a soldier injured in Afghanistan, I have had to rely on our wonderful National Health Service: I pledge to fight for the funding to ensure its future for everyone."
 
Labour's announcement takes to four the number of confirmed candidates on the ballot in South Swindon.

Conservative Robert Buckland will seek a third consecutive term.

The Green's Talis Kimberley-Fairbourn will stand again as she did in 2015 and UKIP's Martin Costello will contest his first General Election.

The Lib Dem candidate is expected to be announced on Monday evening.