"Southport needs a change, it needs fresh ideas. Its long-standing Lib-Dem MP, John Pugh, is stepping down but the policies he and his party have pursued have done little for our town. Their coalition with the Tories created the Health and Social Care Act, essentially a charter for privatisation. It's resulted in severe financial distress for our local hospital trust and now the Tories are renewing the assault with their Sustainability and Transformation Plan which threatens our local A&E Department. We need to stop this.
Our economy also needs a shot in the arm, something I believe can be greatly enhanced by my close cooperation with other Labour colleagues in the area, such as the new Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotherham.
Southport has a great heritage but I want to make sure it's got a fantastic future. It's a beautiful seaside town that has plenty to offer and I intend to offer it a lot in return."
