COLCHESTER Labour launched its General Election campaign with the help of a member of the Shadow Cabinet.

Dawn Butler, Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary, visited the town on Saturday to show her support for the party’s candidate Tina McKay, who is hoping to build on Labour’s strong performance in 2017.

Two-years-ago then Labour candidate Tim Young came in second place behind Conservative Will Quince, who had a majority of 5,677 votes.

There was a positive vote swing of 19 per cent in the favour of the Labour Party, which ever since has designated Colchester as an official target seat at the next election.

Dozens of supporters attended the campaign launch where issues such as NHS funding and social care were discussed.

Mrs Butler told the crowd: “This election is about all the Labour policies that are going to improve the lives of ordinary people, because that’s what a transformative Labour government is going to deliver for Colchester.

“Tina is an amazing candidate and she’s going to win Colchester.”

Mrs McKay added: “I’m doing this for the people who need somebody’s help.

“For the people who need a welfare state. For the people who need a free NHS.

“For the people who need free education. For the people who need hope.

“That’s why we’re all here today, and that’s why we’re fighting in this general election.”

  • Will Quince (Con) and Martin Goss (Lib Dem) are also standing for election in Colchester at the General Election on December 12.
  • The Green Party is fundraising to raise the cash in order to put forward a candidate. Click here to find out more.