Today I spoke at the Labour Party Local Election Launch in Birmingham. The focus of my speech was about the difference a Labour Party councillor can make in the community and why having Labour councillors and Labour councils matters.

“It's a very worrying time.  Managing the family finances is harder. Fuel bills, rail fares, food prices and mortgage payments are going up even though interest rates still seem to be low.  And few can expect their wages to go up to help with rising living costs.

The Tories are making things worse with "an austerity drive" and the Libdems are cravenly supporting them. They’re telling us that we’ve just got to put up with it.

But we don't. There are important local elections on May 3rd.  That's the chance to vote for a Labour councillor to stand up for your local community and to help out with local issues. 

It's never been more important to have a Labour councillor on your side.  The Tories don't care about local services - they never have.  And now the Libdems have joined them. 

But a Labour councillor will make sure that - even in these tough times - everything is done to protect you, your family, and your local area.

And with the government acting as if "unemployment is a price worth paying" a Labour council can make a real difference getting more jobs in the local area and ensuring real opportunities for young people.

Your Labour councillor will be with you in these tough times, stand up for your local services and fight for fairness.”