Category: News

For many people I speak to, the General Election announcement on Wednesday was something they were desperately waiting for.

I’m Southampton born and bred, and it’s been heartbreaking to see families I know struggling after 14 years of Conservative chaos and failure. Britain is broken and Southampton deserves better.

Labour are offering a real alternative with a costed plan, but change is only possible if people vote for it. This will be a once in a generation General Election, and Labour are the only Party that can beat the Tories. Every vote matters, so let’s not waste it.

I’ll be working hard and spending all my time now until Thursday 4th July putting Labour’s case to the people of Southampton Test.

Let’s get Britain’s future back!

Week in week out, Southampton Labour teams and I hit the doorsteps across the city and chat to residents. We call round regularly to hear people’s views, tackle problems, offer assistance, and also encourage people to get out and use their vote!

Talking to other Southampton residents has always been one of my favourite parts of politics, ever since I first joined the Labour Party. I genuinely love going out canvassing to meet as many as possible and I find it is the best way to speak to people whose voices might otherwise go unheard.

At Labour conference last week, I was given the enormous honour of introducing Keir Starmer ahead of his keynote leader’s speech.

Watch the video above to see what I had to say to delegates.

I am hugely grateful to Labour members in Southampton Test for selecting me to be their next Parliamentary Candidate, standing in place of Alan Whitehead when he retires as our MP at the next general election. I know I have big shoes to fill.

It was wonderful to get the opportunity to meet with so many old and new faces at the selection whilst setting out my stall, and I am honoured that the members’ decision went in my favour. I can’t wait to work with everyone during the campaign and beyond. 

WE DID IT! I am delighted that Labour took back control of Southampton City Council at the local elections in May 2022 and I can’t wait to get to work as your new Leader.

We are eager and ready to start delivering for all our communities and I personally want to say a huge thank you for everyone’s support.

Over the last 12 months, we refocused our campaign and set out a new vision for Southampton. We spoke to over 30,000 voters and listened to their concerns.