As a councillor I know that Wyre Forest needs a strong, independent voice to stand up for local interests. In this constituency this election will be a clear choice between a Labour Party who will stand up for Wyre Forest and a Tory Party who are failing working people here. There is an alternative.

The Tories have failed on the NHS and social care. A deepening crisis in the NHS has impacted on local patients with some of the longest waiting times in the country. Labour will give the NHS the money it needs and NHS workers the money they deserve.

The Tories have failed on living standards. Life remains a struggle for too many. People in Wyre Forest have seen a drop in living standards as wages have declined and prices soared. The Tories have failed working people. Labour will introduce a living wage of £10 an hour.

The Tories have failed on young people. A quarter of young people in Wyre Forest live in poverty and there have been huge cuts to schools and children’s services. Worcestershire’s Tory run Children’s Services were judged as ‘inadequate’ by OFSTED. Labour will fund schools and children’s centres properly so our children get the best start in life.

Under Labour we can create a fairer society. We can ensure that jobs are secure and well paid. We can ensure that our NHS and schools get the money they need. We can ensure that our young people can get a good education, a career and a home. We can ensure good public services accountable to local people. We can ensure dignity in old age and decent wages for those who care for the elderly and the sick.

Wyre Forest deserves better. Vote Labour on June 8th for a better Britain which serves the interests of the many not the privileged few.

Dr Matt Lamb – Wyre Forest Labour Parliamentary Candidate