A key figure behind Brighton and Hove Albion’s revival hopes to inspire a similar community boost as he enters politics.

Albion executive director Martin Perry has outlined his reasons for entering politics and his allegiance to Labour in an interview with The Argus.

As revealed last year, Mr Perry will stand as a Labour council candidate for the Hangleton and Knoll ward at the elections in May.

Mr Perry first came to Brighton almost 60 years ago as a six-year-old because his parents hoped the sea air could save his ill sister, who sadly passed away.

It was the former Labour leader of Hove Borough Council, Ivor Caplin, who first got Mr Perry involved with Albion after the sale of the Goldstone Ground in the late 1990s and his role developing Huddersfield Town’s new ground.

Mr Perry said it was the Labour Party in both local and national government which had delivered the American Express Community Stadium with councillors fighting for it “every step of the way”.

The Albion director said he believed the job of a politician was not so different to that of a football club. He said: “It is about improving the lives of people, creating opportunity, giving them a chance and helping them work towards their own aspirations and dreams. It is about making a difference and shaping the future of our local community.”

Mr Perry drew parallels between Labour and the Seagulls’ charity Albion in the Community in its power to benefit the local community.

He said: “It was this sense of social justice that the Labour Group, and in particular Lord Bassam, gave me, and it is my belief that in Brighton and Hove the track record of the Labour group shows they are best placed to restore faith in the city council, tackle poverty, improve the environment and infrastructure and support businesses so that we can grow our income and create jobs.

“I want that chance, to help improve the lives of people living in the great city of Brighton and Hove, and only Labour can do that.”

Meanwhile, his work with six different council chief executives while at Albion has taught him how local authorities function.

Mr Perry said: “It is this experience and involvement in the public sector, coupled with my own business and professional skills, which leads me to believe I can make a real difference and tackle the huge challenges which the council will face during its next term in office.”

What residents think

Martin Perry is the most high-profile candidate to come out as a prospective first-time councillor. But will his success with the Seagulls make voters tick his box?

Reporter JACK SHEPHERD spoke to residents of Hangleton and Knoll, which Mr Perry hopes to represent.

Lyn Clapton, 55, of Hangleton Lane, said: “It doesn’t change who I would vote for unless he helps the local area. The local community centre is a big issue.”

Wendy Collins, of Hangleton Way, said: “I don’t have any idea who he is. Perhaps if he had the right policies.”

Andy Smith, 52, from Hangleton, said: “I probably won’t be voting for him as I’m a Conservative.

“As I’ve gotten older Labour seem to have made more and more mistakes. There are a lot of Albion supporters in the area who may vote for him but it won’t sway me as much.”

June Byford, 41, of Northease Drive, said: “It won’t really affect me unless I know what his policies are.

“I go to the Amex stadium every week so I know who he is but it won’t change my voting.”

Georgina Earey, of Greenleas, said: “I would find out his policies, as with anyone else I’m voting for. Just because of his name doesn’t mean I will vote for him. I would research what he is doing like anyone else.”