At the start of May, voters up and down the country backed the Labour Party in local elections. Labour is now the largest party in local government, gaining councils in towns and regions across the UK. From Blackpool to Brighton and Medway to Mansfield, voters have put their trust in Labour in local government, because we will deliver change and build a better future for Britain. 

Newly elected Labour councils have set out to deliver emergency cost of living packages to tackle the biggest issue currently facing the country, and returning Labour councils will continue to deliver for their communities.  

After 13 years of Conservative governments, the country wants to see change. Rishi Sunak is totally out of touch with impact of the cost of living price rises, and people are still paying higher mortgages because the Tories crashed the economy. Losing over 1000 Conservative councillors was a stark message at the ballot box for this government.  

Luton voted to keep a Labour council, with a diverse set of councillors, including a mix of experience and fresh faces. Notably, more than half of Luton’s Labour councillors are now women. The Labour-led Council has set out its 2040 Vision to make Luton ‘a healthy, fair and sustainable town, where everyone can thrive, and no-one has to live in poverty.’ As part of their platform, Labour councillors have a plan to tackle antisocial behaviour and crime, improve public transport and build new homes.  

While our excellent female led Labour council in Luton continues to work hard in local government, Sarah Owen MP and I will continue to stand up for our town in the Houses of Parliament. The Labour Party is ready for national government, with bold and transformative plans to help families with the cost of living, cut waiting lists and ultimately, build a better Britain. We’ll continue to show people how their lives will be tangibly better under Labour and prepare for a general election.