TWO SHADOW ministers took to the streets of Reading as part of the Labour Party’s campaign in marginal seats on Wednesday, August 17.
Shadow cabinet minister for mental health Rosena Allin-Khan and shadow minister for the armed forces Luke Pollard spent the morning canvassing in Whitley.
The pair were joined by local councillors and member of parliament for East Reading Matt Rodda.
Dr Allin-Khan was full of praise for the visit, saying: “Every time I come to Reading I’m just blown away by the incredible sense of community.
“It’s really obvious on the doorsteps and in the community itself how popular Matt Rodda is as an MP and it’s very much in Labour’s reach to win Reading West in the next general election.
“It’s just been really exciting to be campaigning today, spreading Labour’s positive messages and obviously being here with Matt who is an incredible advocate for Reading and a superb colleague in parliament.”
Door knocking in Reading today with @DrRosena and @MattRodda showed me people are worried about rising energy bills. They know Labour will freeze the price cap. The Tory Government does not have a plan. It’s time for a General Election and a Labour Govt. pic.twitter.com/PgogQnEYUw
— Luke Pollard MP (@LukePollard) August 17, 2022
The visit ended at the Whitley Community Development Association, where the guests spoke to residents and community group representatives.
The Mayor of Reading Rachel Eden was also in attendance and was delighted to welcome Dr Allin-Khan and Mr Pollard.
She said of the visit: “It has been fantastic, we’re out and about in Whitley week-in, week-out, so it was lovely to welcome some really high profile, interested MPs who wanted to support the community, find out what’s going on, because Labour’s really listening to people, and we know how tough things are.
“I’m so proud to be able to bring people who are in the shadow cabinet, to Whitley, show them the Whitley Community Development Association, show them what our local NHS staff are doing, they’re doing amazing work.
“If we can showcase what’s best about our community then it’s just a brilliant opportunity for us to get us on the map.”
Full exclusive interviews and report will be in next week’s edition of Reading Today (Wednesday, August 24).
