Fresh ideas and a new face is what the Labour Party’s prospective parliamentary candidate for next year’s General Election has promised.

At a hustings meeting on Saturday, Jane Berney, 52, was picked to take up the challenge of wrestling the MP’s seat from Conservative Sir Alan Haselhurst, who has held the position since 1977.

The mother-of-two has a BA (Hons), MA and PhD in history, is a chartered accountant, and is currently working as a technical manager.

And she has vowed to be more than “just a mum” when it comes to fighting for one of the safest Tory seats in the country.

The Littlebury Green resident said: “I am a fresh face with fresh ideas. I am also slightly younger than Sir Alan and I have a different life experience. I can appeal to, and understand a different section of the community. I have a PhD in history – I am not just a mum.”

She added: “I have always been a member of the Labour Party and interested in Labour politics. Having been involved with the local party, this just seemed the next step to take.

“I think the current government is just so unfair in its policies. I want to make sure we look after the many not the few.”

Mrs Berney’s aim is to help “bring change” to the area and make sure the district has the right infrastructure to support future developments.

“The problem in Uttlesford is that nobody wants anything to change but we can’t continue like that,” she said.

“We have to develop and make new changes or there will be nowhere for people to live. There won’t be enough schools, roads or jobs.

“I worry about my own sons. Will they be able to stay in the area?”

The General Election is in 2015.