As the MP for Luton South since 2019, it is a privilege to stand again as the Labour candidate for the new constituency of Luton South & South Bedfordshire.

Full statement

Bedfordshire is my county, and Luton is my home. I was born in the Luton & Dunstable hospital and have lived in Luton almost all my life. Before entering Parliament, my career as a senior public sector manager gave me valuable insight into the world of work and being a local councillor for nine years gave me a deep understanding of public service.

I’m proud of our area and all our communities, be they urban or rural. Yet everyone I speak to feels that nothing works anymore.

After 14 years of economic chaos under the Conservatives, working people are worse off. Living standards are down. Crime goes unpunished. Ambulances don’t come. Schools crumble over our children’s heads. Sewage floods our waters. Mortgages and food prices are through the roof.

There’s a clear choice at this election: more chaos with the Tories, or stability with Labour. We need to turn the page and start to rebuild our country. Labour has a long term, serious plan to change Britain.