Keir Starmer is urging Mirror readers to back Labour in today's local elections as the crucial first step to giving Britain a fresh start.
The Labour leader blasts the Conservatives’ failure to tackle the cost of living crisis, make the streets safe and ensure that people can book a GP appointment.
He calls on voters to tell the Tories in no uncertain terms that, after 13 years in power, their days are numbered and it is time for a change.
Writing in the Mirror (see below), Mr Starmer declares: “I will stop at nothing to ensure this country once again works for those people who make up its backbone.
“Your vote today matters. You can send a message to this failed government and this out of touch Prime Minister.
“That after 13 years of failure, Britain deserves better. That it’s time for change.
“And you can set Britain on a path of growth, security, and the promise of a better future.”
In all, 8,141 council seats are up for grabs in 230 councils across England, in what will be PM Rishi Sunak ’s first big electoral test.
Labour is hoping to make gains in places including Blackpool, Derby, Plymouth, Sheffield and South Ribble.
Mr Starmer declared it is “time to do things a different way” as he argued the “prospect of a better Britain is in our grasp”.
The Labour leader said he wanted to build a country “where people can get the doctor’s appointment they need, where our streets are safe again and where we build the homes we need”.
“At every doorstep, in every work place, on every high street I have visited during this election campaign, that’s the country people are crying out for,” he added.
As well as the local council ballots, elections also are taking place to choose mayors in Bedford, Leicester, Mansfield and Middlesbrough.
It is the first time that voters in England will be forced to show photo ID at polling stations under controversial new rules.
A passport, driving licence photocard, Blue Badge and older person's bus pass are among the documents that will be accepted.
There are no ballots in Scotland and Wales - but there are council elections in Northern Ireland on 18 May.
Did the cost of living affect the way you voted in local elections? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
People are crying out for a better Britain
By Keir Starmer, Labour leader
The prospect of a better Britain is within our grasp.
A country where hard-working people are rewarded, not just the privileged few. Where people can get the doctor’s appointment they need. Where criminals face justice. Where we can be proud of the places we live.
Where we build the homes we need. Where we ease the pain of the cost of living, putting money back in the pockets of families rather than into the coffers of oil and gas giants.
That’s the country people are crying out for. It’s the one I am determined Labour will build. Not pipe dreams. Not more of the empty promises we’ve had from the Tories for too long.
Just the common sense, practical things that will make people’s lives better. A vote for Labour today is a vote to start that journey of building a better Britain.
Look at the state of things under the Tories: public services failing; crime out of control; NHS waiting lists at record levels; families seeing their wages run out earlier each month; and the misery compounded by 24 Tory tax rises. None of this was inevitable. It’s a result of 13 years of Tory failure.
It’s time to do things a different way.
My own background, growing up in a working-class family, means I understand exactly what people are going through.
I remember having our phone cut off when we couldn’t pay the bill.
Of seeing my dad work long hours as a toolmaker, feeling like he didn’t get the respect he deserved.
Of seeing my mum – an NHS nurse – fall desperately ill and become reliant on the health service. I’ve been there. It’s why I will stop at nothing to ensure this country once again works for those people who make up its backbone.
Your vote matters. If you believe it’s time to build a better Britain, grab your photo ID, get down to your polling station and vote for Labour today.
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