Serving the communities of Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley, Longdendale and Dukinfield for the past 14 years has been an absolute privilege.

Full statement

From visiting every single school, to securing investment to regenerate our town centres, to finally getting the Mottram bypass agreed, to achieving a brand new SEND school in Longdendale, I love this job.

Together we have been through so much, from moor fires, to flooding, to a tornado and a pandemic. I am proud to stand up for the area I call home when times are tough.

However, after 14 years of Conservative government, very few of you tell me you feel better off. The economy is stagnant, wages are low, taxes are high, the NHS is creaking at the seams. After 14 years challenging the government, I am raring for the chance to govern and help fix this mess. I am proud that Labour has changed itself, and I am excited to see it change the country for the better.

As Business Secretary, I would deliver a clear industrial strategy, making sure areas like ours have great jobs driving the growth we need. I would support small business by ending late payments, cracking down on shoplifting, and easing access to public contracts. I would create 350 banking hubs, securing access to high street banking, including one in Stalybridge as a priority.

I can only deliver these things as part of a Labour government. The outcome of this election is not a forgone conclusion. If you want change, vote Labour.