The big news from our campaign this week is that Harriet Harman, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, came to visit us in Leicester West. Harriet met and talked to local residents about the issues that matter to them, and what more people think needs to change in this area.

First up was the beautiful Brite Centre in Braunstone. We caught the end of a half-term childcare session (lots of glitter everywhere) and popped-in to talk to a group of men who’ve been getting new skills and were about to take an exam – they seemed very happy to see us but I hope we didn’t put them off! We also talked to the librarians about all the activities that go on during the week and their plans for the future, and chatted to people in the café. Lots of local party members also came to meet Harriet at the Brite Centre, which was great.

Our next stop was the New Parks Children’s Centre on Pindar Road. The Centre provides fantastic help and support to local parents. On the day we were there (Wednesday) there was a midwives health clinic, a ‘Mums to Tums’ group for expectant mums and new dads, a ‘Parents as Partners in Early Learning’ play session, and a new group for teenage parents. On top of all this, a ‘Multi Access Centre’ was giving help and advice to parents about training and employment.

I was really proud to show Harriet how Labour’s investment is making a difference here. It makes me angry when the Tories say they would immediately cut public spending, because it would put services like these at risk. And their proposal to make Children’s Centres available only to the very poorest families would be a real blow to hundreds of ordinary families here. That’s why I’m campaigning to make sure we continue to invest in supporting local parents and families in Leicester West, and that services like those at the Brite Centre and New Parks Children’s Centre are available in every community that needs them.