I joined the Labour Party in 1985.  There was still apartheid in South Africa, barbed wire and soldiers on a border across Ireland, long hospital waiting lists and more than three million unemployed.

I am proud to have helped deliver massive political change since 1985.  Through our political action we have seen the end of apartheid, a largely successful peace process in Ireland, waiting times reduced to 18 weeks, the lifting of millions of children from poverty.  I am appalled now at the political action of our opponents which is dividing our communities, further impoverishing the poorest and undermining the foundations of the welfare state.

I want a fair society, where each one of us has equality of opportunity to fulfill our potential, supported by each other and by a democratic, accountable and responsive state.   Bristol South is one of the most economically deprived constituencies in the country with some parts in the 10% most deprived nationally.  I want to use my experience, my skills, my political passion to fight on behalf of the people of Bristol South and build the fairer society I want to see for myself and my family, and for families across Bristol South.

The Tory-led Government’s austerity policies are hurting the lowest paid and most vulnerable in our society, at the same time that they are giving a tax cut to millionaires. This government is pursuing an ideological project to permanently shrink the state which threatens the fabric of our society.

Labour’s decade of achievements are being eroded and undermined. I am determined to be part of Labour’s return to government.