Julian Knight, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Solihull, has moved back to his Midlands roots and bought a home in Olton.
On being elected by one member one vote on the first ballot, Mr Knight was attacked by his Liberal Democrat opponent Lorely Burt for hailing from outside the constituency. This is despite the fact that Ms Burt came to Solihull from Dudley where she was a councillor.
Julian said; "I have faced criticism from my opponents from the moment of my selection, but I am giving the lie to that today. The facts are that I will be a homeowner and a council taxpayer 23 months out from the general election."
"My opponent who came here from Dudley and attacks me as an outsider, only bought a property a few months out from the election when she thought she was going to win. "
"Silhillians have made Philippa and I very welcome as they know my backstory as a working class man who has made good in life. I may not originally be from Solihull, but I, like many am just the sort of person who comes and makes their life in Solihull – it’s a great place to live."
"People may want to contrast that I have put my life savings into buying this home yet the sitting Liberal Democrat MP was revealed last month as having pocketed £180,000 from the sale of her second - taxpayer supported home."
"I am thrilled to be living in Solihull with its fantastic schools, open spaces, great shopping facilities and real community spirit. I am really looking forward to getting more involved in the community and putting down roots, and I would dearly welcome the opportunity to serve the people of Solihull as their MP come 2015."