A former Royal Marines captain has been chosen by Labour to stand against veterans minister Johnny Mercer at the next general election. Fred Thomas, 31, hopes his military background will neutralise what he calls Mercer's electoral 'trump card'. Thomas will attempt to overturn a Conservative majority of nearly 13,000 in Plymouth Moor View.
Thomas criticised Mercer for using veterans as a campaigning tool without delivering for them. 'Veterans are really struggling with the cost of living crisis and he is part of the government that caused that,' he said. Mercer, a former army captain, has held the seat since 2015.
Thomas attended Winchester College and studied religion, politics and ethics at King's College London. He learned Arabic, became the Royal Marines' light heavyweight boxing champion, and served in combat missions before leaving the corps in February. He declined to comment on whether he served with special forces.
Thomas said his primary motivation was a sense of public service, adding that the UK's economic and political institutions were breaking down. He indicated the next government should recommit to spending 0.7% of GDP on international development. Labour sources expressed confidence, with one insider describing Thomas as 'a younger, better looking and more accomplished version of Mercer'.
