DARLINGTON’S Labour candidate joined those calling for solidarity within the party as she addressed an event endorsed by Jeremy Corbyn on May Day.

The survival of Labour as a political movement depends on the party working together, was the message from Jenny Chapman on Monday.

Representatives from diverse Labour factions heard from Ms Chapman and other speakers at an International Workers’ Day event organised by Darlington’s Trades Union Council and backed by leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Mr Corbyn sent a message of support to those who attended the event, organised to raise awareness of the importance of workers’ rights.

His statement began by wishing those gathered in Darlington a happy May Day, going on to say: “Our rights and our democracy came from the sufferings of others and their determination to build a better world for their children.

“On this May Day let us send a message of peace and justice worldwide and show solidarity with those struggling against powerful forces, and for rights for women, LGBT and the human rights of all.

“Also, let us use the opportunity we have to improve rights at work, housing, education and health care for all by voting Labour in June.”

Ms Chapman echoed Mr Corbyn’s calls for solidarity, saying Theresa May had called the upcoming general election because “this is her best chance to beat the Labour party and not just beat us in an election but to beat us for good.”

She added: “This is, for her, about destroying the Labour movement and, having been speaking to residents in Darlington, I don’t think she will get away with it. If we carry on the way we started this campaign, I think we can win it and we need to win it.

“You need to be there alongside me and candidates all over this region making sure we win every seat that we can because this isn’t about victory, though victory would be good – this is about survival as a political movement.”

The public meeting, held at Darlington Cricket Club, was attended by a diverse crowd, including nurses fighting for the NHS and some of the region’s campaigning teaching assistants.

Nurse Barbara Campbell said: “We support the policies that will protect the NHS that will care for our children when they are sick. We support the policies that will see more houses built, will provide jobs and training opportunities and policies which mean we will have a welfare state when any of us become vulnerable.”