THE future of Gosport depends on defence according to Labour candidate Graham Giles who has lobbied the Ministry of Defence to commit to the Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers in Portsmouth Harbour.

He went on to say it is important the area secures future investment and more jobs in advanced technology, especially maintenance, repair and overhaul of helicopters.

He said his background is in justice reform, child protection and international development.

Mr Giles is the founder of Southampton-based charity Europe to Europe helping young people with disabilities and solving causes of poverty.

His research has been extensively published and led to him working in international consultancy and holding many academic and professional posts in the field.

These include consulting on juvenile justice to the World Bank and the rights of a child to the United Nations.

His priorities in Gosport include easing traffic congestion on the A32, more help for the elderly and easy access to Queen Alexandra Hospital.

Currently he is also fighting to save community halls and keep the waterways safe.

He said: "Gosport can't afford to be half changed again, the election will determine our future for twenty years. I won't duck this responsibility."

He grew up in Hampshire but got his PhD in Sociology at the University of Bucharest.

He now lives at Westland Drive, Lee-on-Solent.