SHADOW minister Jon Trickett witnessed Stroud Labour’s election campaign in action during a recent visit to the town.

Mr Trickett, who has been MP for Hemsworth in West Yorkshire since 1996, visited Stroud to campaign with local members and meet with councillors ahead of the local and European elections next month.

David Drew, the party's candidate for next year's General Election, said, "It was great to welcome Jon to the constituency as we continue to campaign on issues both local and national.

"In a short period where we have had a budget that failed to make a single mention of food banks, cost of living or even young people, Jon's visit is timely as Labour continue to campaign for a living wage for low paid workers and free childcare for three and four year-olds, rather than the Tories' tax cut for millionaires.

"It is Labour who are building council houses in Stroud, and it is Labour paying a living wage at Stroud District Council."

Cllr Steve Lydon, who represents the Stanleys on the district council and Dursley on the county council, said: "We all know locally that the road to a Labour government runs through Stroud - and the national party knows this too.

"Stroud is 16th on Labour's target list across the whole country, so it's good to see shadow ministers coming away from Westminster to campaign on the ground talking about the issues that will make a real difference to people's lives such as wages, the NHS, housing and energy bills."

Commenting on his visit Mr Trickett said it was great to see the fantastic work the Labour-led council is doing in Stroud.

"By introducing the Living Wage and building council homes, Stroud District Council and Labour councillors are really leading the way in terms of fairness and equality across the country,” he said.

In reference to the General election next year Mr Trickett said he knew that David Drew was a fantastic advocate for Stroud.

"His passion for improving the lives of people in rural areas knows no bounds," he added.

"Stroud’s Tory MP voted for the bedroom tax and the NHS Act and he is part of a party that has overseen a huge cost of living crisis.

"It is clear that the constituency needs someone who will stand up for Stroud in Westminster and that is what David will do.”