'A mood for wanting change in Watford'

Unelected prime minister Rishi Sunak has finally decided to face the music and the British people on 4th July. By not combining the general election with the local elections this May, he has cost the taxpayer a fortune.

The country cries out for change. I do a lot of speaking with residents and the message I get is Watford wants change as well. That’s the mood.

Last week Keir Starmer launched Labour’s First Steps for Change and I was pleased to be there. Having already set out his Missions to make Britain “The best country to grow up in and grow old in,” that vision is at the heart of our plan.

Step one: deliver economic stability. Mortgages are up in Watford by £370, and rents are through the roof, since the Tories crashed the economy. Families in Watford are paying an extra £870 in tax.

NHS waiting times are the longest they have ever been. It’s nine years since our local hospital trust met its four-hour A&E target.

We all want to end the dangerous small boat crossings. A record number of people have arrived this year. Labour will launch a Border Command Force to fix the problem.

Everyone suffers from increased energy prices. We want to lower them for good. That’s why we will switch on Great British Energy.

Residents tell me anti-social behaviour and crime are up. Police numbers have been cut by the Conservatives. Crime is up by 18 per cent in Herts. 90 per cent of crimes go unsolved.

We all want the best for Watford’s schools. That’s why we will recruit more teachers to ensure our children get a good education.

The Conservatives have failed. It’s time for change. Watford deserves better. Only Labour can deliver.

• Matt Turmaine is Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Watford

The candidates for the other two main political parties standing in the general election in Watford are Dean Russell MP, Conservative, and Ian Stotesbury, Liberal Democrat.