Done a quick and dirty bit of research:
He is a perfect fit for the old guard who run the Labour Party - Stalinists to a man - but in Chippenham? That is a very liberal constituency. Upper middle class, well off, most residents university educated home owners and socially aware. He's unlikely to gain the seat, as the current MP, Mr. Hames, is very popular locally.
If he makes a decent showing, which is possible, he'll be parachuted into a safe seat in the Midlands (most likely in a mining district) or the North of England, where his practical profession (engineer) will pay dividends above the usual party line/traditional vote.
The choice is an interesting one by the selection committee though. As the Conservatives have been forced more towards the center by the Lib Dems, there has been less and less clear blue water between the two main parties. Labour has been forced to move further left as a result. There have been hints, but this is the clearest signal yet.