Meet Yuan Yang, 33 year-old Labour candidate for Earley and Woodley MP seat

Yuan Yang is the Labour candidate for the Earley and Woodley constituency.

Aged 33, she served as an economics journalist until six months ago, and is now 'working towards a Labour victory full-time'.

Claim to the area:

I live in Earley with my family (including our dog Haohao).

What are the three biggest challenges facing the people of Earley and Woodley?

Firstly, the cost of living crisis – mortgage bills have ramped up, and it's shocking that more and more families have to rely on foodbanks. Secondly, the NHS – over the past decade and a half, it's become so much harder to see a GP and to get the care you need on time. Thirdly, the rise in crime on our streets (we were burgled not long ago) and the falling numbers of police on patrol.

What causes will you be championing if elected as an MP?

My top priority locally is to secure a new development for the Royal Berkshire Hospital, which NHS staff have been waiting for for years, and which the Labour Party has already announced its commitment to. As an economist, my top priority for the country as a whole is to get our economy working again.

Quick fire round:

What car do you drive?

A very old manual Honda Jazz.

What's your favourite film or TV show?

Too many to choose from, but I've most recently enjoyed the remake of the 1970s BBC series All Creatures Great and Small.

When was the last time you cried?

One of my friends has been going through a very tough time with family and money issues, and recently when I've called her we've both ended up having a cry together, which can be just what you need sometimes.

What's your stance on drug legalisation, and have you ever taken any drugs in your past?

We need to focus on treating the problems that lead to drug use, like the mental health crisis in our schools. I've never taken drugs myself.