An MP hopeful has vowed to campaign for reduced energy bills, cleaner waterways and extra funding for paediatric and maternity services.

Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Eastbourne Josh Babarinde OBE made the pledges as he officially launched his campaign to become the seaside town’s next MP.

Before becoming a parliamentary candidate, Mr Babarinde was a councillor in Hampden Park, Eastbourne, and ran a social enterprise named Cracked It that employed ex-offenders and at-risk youths to repair smartphones.

Through this the politician, who was born in the town, earned himself a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 social entrepreneur list and an OBE.

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If elected, Mr Babarinde said he will advocate for a windfall tax on energy and water companies and for the profits to be redistributed to create cheaper water services and better sewage treatment facilities.

He also wants to sustain legal action against Southern Water for sewage dumps in dry periods of no rain and create tighter regulations with the increased chance of fines.

Mr Babarinde said he will also campaign to fund staff and facilities at Eastbourne District General Hospital, particularly in the maternity and paediatric departments.

A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: “Josh promises protection of the environment, community empowerment, support for charities and good moral and ethical standings alongside liberal freedom for everyone, improving the opportunities for the everyday hard-working families of Eastbourne.”

Other candidates standing at the General Election on July 4 in the constituency are Labour and Co-operative candidate Paul Richards, Green Party candidate Michael Munson and Reform UK's Mark Ashdown.

Caroline Ansell is also hoping to be re-elected for the Conservatives.