THE Labour candidate for Leigh and Atherton believes that the area is "ready for a Labour government” after party leader Keir Starmer met with local leaders.

On Thursday, January 11, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Leigh and Atherton, Jo Platt, welcomed Keir Starmer to the North West to meet key business, community and industry leaders for a roundtable discussion on how Labour’s five missions for government will improve lives across Leigh and Atherton.

Ahead of an expected general election later this year, the Labour Party's missions include issues such as improving the NHS, housing, renewable energy, and policing.

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Leigh Journal: Pam Gilligan and Emily Simcox at the meeting with Keir StarmerPam Gilligan and Emily Simcox at the meeting with Keir Starmer (Image: Labour)
Marking the start of the Labour leader’s Missions Tour in Greater Manchester, Ms Platt brought together key leaders from across Leigh and Atherton, which included Pam Gilligan from Compassion in Action and Emily Simcox who runs Computer Explorers.

At the roundtable with Starmer, the group outlined their priorities for the town, from tackling the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, to fighting for improved education, health, and emergency services. Ms Platt told the Labour Leader why Leigh and Atherton are now ready for a Labour government.

 

Leigh Journal: Leigh and Atherton Labour candidate Jo Platt with party leader Keir StarmerLeigh and Atherton Labour candidate Jo Platt with party leader Keir Starmer (Image: Labour)
Speaking after the breakfast, Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, said: “Being here in the Northwest this morning to meet key business and community leaders, it’s clear Jo Platt is preparing to hit the ground running on behalf of working people in her area.

"I’m grateful to Jo for bringing together some of the key leaders in the community for me to meet and to hear first-hand why Leigh and Atherton needs change. 

“2024 is a momentous year for the country. The power of the vote is in the hands of the British people, and we will fight every day to earn it.

"As the election comes closer, I’m proud to say that we have the strongest generation of candidates our Party has seen.  We’ve built a changed Labour Party ready to serve working people in Leigh and Atherton and across the United Kingdom.

“In the coming weeks, I’ll be travelling across the country to outline Labour’s plan for a decade of national renewal, working together with local communities to improve the lives working people.

"Because this year can be the year of change. Britain has the power to end Tory decline and give Britain its future back with Labour.”