Shadow Ministers visit Worthing ahead of the May 2022 local elections
Shadow Ministers visit Worthing ahead of the May 2022 local elections

Shadow Ministers are excited by Labour prospects in Worthing ahead of the local elections in May.

“Everyone’s talking about Worthing”, said Rachel Reeves, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer when she joined local Labour campaigners to talk to Tarring Ward residents on the doorstep on Saturday. “They’re talking about the real possibility of a Labour-run Council for the first time ever in Worthing and how exciting that will be, not only for those who live here, but because of the message it will send out to the rest of the country,” she said.

She was joined by Hove Labour MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Kyle. “A few years ago, it was Hove that was making the national news when we won it for Labour,” he said. “Now it’s all about Worthing and the impact taking it from the Tories could have on other towns along the south coast. The Labour team in Worthing, led by Cllr Beccy Cooper, is showing Labour at its absolute best.” 

Rachel Reeves had a particular message for the residents of Worthing as Shadow Chancellor. “People are rightly sick and tired of the Tory corruption, sleaze and lies,” she said. “That gives us the opportunity to set out how we would be different, not just the integrity and honesty in the way we govern, but in our policies as well.” 

“I know how hard the cost of living crisis is hitting people in Worthing and across the country. The Tories have no answer, but Labour has. I’ve set out our proposals to take £200 off the average energy bills by cutting VAT on gas and electricity. And we would give added protection to those on the lowest incomes by expanding the Warm House Discount so it covers nine million households giving a boost of £140 to £400 for those most in need.”

Before they joined Labour candidate for the Tarring Ward, Rita Garner and her team door-knocking in Becket Road, Rachel Reeves and Peter Kyle called on Souk foodstore in South Street Tarring and met owner Karen Daniel who specialises in vegan and locally sourced food. They heard about the challenges she had faced since she took over the business. “We very much admire her enterprise and energy in overcoming the very challenging problems, she and many similar businesses have faced, particularly during the pandemic” said Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

They also took the opportunity to visit the Superstar Arts charity shop across the road and meet shop manager, Abigail Corcoran. Superstar Arts provides opportunities for adults with learning difficulties to get involved with creative projects, cooking sessions and social activities.

They met Marianne Hunt who has found an outlet for her artistic talents through Superstar Arts and has designed a T-shirt for the Crawley rock band The Cure which captures the essence of the band so well, it has become a favourite of fans and has sold well across the world. 

Rachel Reeves and Peter Kyle were particularly delighted to receive portraits of themselves created by Marianne. “This is such an exciting example of the excellent work small charities can do to provide much-needed support for people with particular needs in our communities,” said Peter Kyle. 

Both Shadow Ministers were impressed by the level of support for Labour they saw in the session door-knocking. “What Labour is doing in Worthing is so exciting, we wish we could bottle is and spread it around the country,” said Peter Kyle.

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