Southend Labour is pleased to present its Local Election Manifesto “Taking Southend Forward”.

Ian Gilbert, Leader of Southend Council, says: “It’s been an honour to lead the Council for the past two years, even though the last year has been dominated by the unprecedented challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. I am hugely proud of how council staff, health services workers, local charities and volunteers have responded. Despite the day to day challenges of the pandemic, we have continued to work on big projects that will give real benefits to the town.  We have also given the environmental matters, which were largely ignored by the previous administration, the priority they deserve including starting a massive tree planting scheme; we have set a target of achieving net zero carbon by 2030 and published our plan to do that. We are investing in footpaths and roads and more an better CCTV; we are cracking down on rogue landlords and driving up the quality of housing; We have started a programme of  social housing, of which none had been built for years, and invested in improvements to the High Street and Victoria shopping centre. We have managed to do all of that while keeping the council tax lower than neighbouring Conservative-controlled councils.”

Southend Labour believes in this town and that it has a bright future, despite the challenges it faces. Only Labour will lead a council that is on the side of residents, not vested interests; a council that cares about people and the environment and actually gets things done.

You can read, or download, a copy of our manifesto online by clicking here. If you would like a printed copy posted to you please email contact@southendlabour.com and include your name and address.

Polling day is Thursday 6th May – only by voting for Labour can you ensure Southend will move forward.