Luke Viner, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for South Cambridgeshire brought out the crowds at a packed event at Sawston Free Church on Monday.  Supported by Labour fellow parliamentary candidates Elizabeth McWilliams (Ely & East Cambridgeshire), Alex Bulat (Huntingdon) and Kevin Bonovia (Stevenage), and Labour’s Combined Mayor Dr Nik Johnson, the audience of Labour members and supporters were delighted to hear Luke’s message of hope.

In a stirring speech, Luke explained what the Labour Party means to him and why he is standing to be elected as an MP, “I was born under the last Labour government, and received my early education under it. It gave me a great start, a passion for learning, including my love of music. Things worked then. You could see a doctor within 48 hours. Class sizes were under 30 and teachers were well respected.  The economy had a long period of strong growth.

“However, since the Tories were elected, enabled for the first five years by the Lib Dems, things have gone downhill. Austerity brought terrible hardship and long-lasting damage to our services including the NHS, education and local council services. Nowhere near enough houses have been built, particularly truly affordable including social housing. Our economy has been wrecked by Tory incompetence. We are poorer, more taxed than ever before and what do we have to show for it?”

Luke then committed, “I want to be elected so that I can represent the people of South Cambridgeshire at the very heart of a Labour government that is once again back in the service of the British people. A government that would work to return the country to how it should be run, cutting waiting lists, increasing the number of teachers, increasing the numbers of police officers on the beat, building 1.5 million new homes including many truly affordable homes and growing the economy.”

Commenting afterwards, Dr Johnson said, “Luke is very impressive. He is hugely energetic, very smart and totally committed to do the very best for the community has called home for five years. He understands the importance of cooperation, community and compassion and he would make a great MP for South Cambridgeshire.”