GE2019 | 500 Words: Rory Shannon • Labour Party • Bromsgrove

As part of our 2019 General Election coverage, we have contacted each candidate standing in Northfield, Bromsgrove, Edgbaston and Selly Oak constituencies asking them to contribute to this election’s ‘500 Words’ series.

Each candidate has been invited to describe themselves and their campaigns in their own words. Their submissions will be published without editing, in the order that they are received. Should they be longer than 500 words, they will be cropped.

Rory Shannon • Labour • Bromsgrove

I will be fighting the election as Labour’s candidate for Bromsgrove. I am writing to introduce myself and ask for your support. I was born in Bromsgrove, was educated in Bromsgrove and live here in Aston Fields.

I am standing in this election because I am fearful for the future of Bromsgrove. I love my town, but we deserve better. Things must change.

As a resident I am, like you, increasingly concerned about the traffic and air pollution problems facing our town and I have worked hard with Labour councillors to campaign for a Western Relief Road to relive traffic through our community. I have also supported efforts to tackle the problems of car parking outside our local schools, which can only get worse if we continue to build housing without considering infrastructure. I am also concerned about the rise in speeding, anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime, all of which are a direct result of the reduction of front-line police officers.

For years I have been a passionate campaigner for our town and have already been instrumental in saving many services, such as the Wendron Centre. In times when central government spending is limited, and local councils look to make cuts, communities must come together to protect our vital services. I have already served Bromsgrove as a councillor and have an excellent track record in getting results for those I am elected to represent. If elected again, I would demonstrate the same passion and commitment to the people of Bromsgrove. I would be your voice in the parliament protecting and improving our community.

This election will shape our country for a generation. It is your opportunity to transform our country, so that it works not just for a few, but for all of us. It is a chance to deliver the real change Britain needs.

Some people say this is the Brexit election. But it’s also the climate election, the investment election, the NHS election, the living standards election, the education election, the poverty election, the fair taxes election. Above all, it’s the change election.

It’s time to take on the vested interests holding people back. The last decade has seen a wealth grab by a privileged few, supported by the Conservatives, at the expense of the majority. The big polluters, financial speculators and corporate tax-dodgers have had a free ride for too long. Labour will build a fairer Britain that cares for all, where wealth and power are shared.

Labour is not prepared to continue to see more families without a proper home and more people queuing at food banks or sleeping rough on the streets.

Labour is not prepared to put up with communities blighted by lack of investment, endless cuts to vital services and millions struggling to make ends meet, while tax cuts are handed to the richest.

You can only have an impact on these decisions if you vote. In this election every vote will be vital. Please vote Labour on the 12th December.