The government has let the country down very badly says Reading Central Labour candidate Matt Rodda.
On Monday, the MP launched his campaign to be elected in the new seat, created after a shake-up saw Reading East and Reading West seats broken up to become Earley & Woodley, Reading Central, and Reading West and Mid Berkshire.
Labour party members gathered in Kensington Park, west Reading to hear from Mr Rodda and council leader Liz Terry before going to talk to residents ahead of the general election on Thursday, July 4.
Mr Rodda said it was an honour to be selected to fight the new seat.
“I will be campaigning across the new constituency for every single vote in what will be a crucial general election, an opportunity to change this country after 14 terrible years, where the Conservatives government has let the country down very badly,” he said.
“I’m calling on local people to take part in this campaign … let’s campaign really hard for a Labour government and Labour MPs in this and neighbouring seats in the area.”
He added that he was looking forward to speaking to people across the new constituency during the course of the campaign.
Supporting him was Cllr Liz Terry, the Labour leader of Reading Borough Council, who said the town has seen “terrible years” of austerity, which had affected public services in Reading.
“Labour had a plan that is fully funded, is going to make a difference … NHS waiting times will come down, (there will be) more teachers tackling anti-social behaviour, and more police – these are the things people want.
“We know there is a plan to make our economy grow and ensure we have future investment.”
The Conservatives do not currently have a candidate in Reading Central.
The Lib Dems have Henry Wright, the Greens Dave McElroy, and Andy Williams for Reform UK. Oher candidates may come forward.
