The North East has a proud history and we all know it can have a bright future.

But life for many people isn’t as good as it should be. Eleven years of Conservative rule from Westminster has meant cuts to your local services, jobs at risk and crime rocketing in your neighbourhoods. High streets shops have disappeared and too many people don’t have enough money in their pocket.

That wasn’t inevitable, it was about priorities. The Tories spent billions during this pandemic handing contracts to their friends. Matt Hancock’s former pub landlord got £30 million of taxpayers money. Yet, at the same time, they are refusing to give our NHS nurses a pay rise. It’s insulting.

Coronavirus exposed the weak foundations of our society and showed who the Conservatives really are. As Britain was battling the virus, we now hear Boris Johnson was spending his time picking out designer wallpaper for his flat. And he’s spent the last week trying to cover up who really paid for it instead of fighting to save hundreds of Liberty Steel jobs on the line in Hartlepool. Instead of tackling the issues that matter, the Conservative Party has become hopelessly distracted by sleaze and scandal. And it’s you and your family who feel the impact.

At next week’s elections there is a very clear choice: Labour candidates who will be relentlessly focused on jobs, tackling crime and supporting your health. Or the same old Tories: sleaze, waste, one rule for them, and another for everyone else.

I’ll be back in the North East today, in Durham and Hartlepool, making that argument. The Prime Minister may not know the value of the pound in his pocket, but we know you do. The least people should be able to expect from their government is that taxpayers' money is spent wisely.

Under my leadership, it will be.

Labour is focused on ensuring your neighbourhood is a great place to grow up in, grow old in and live. Our priorities are your priorities - supporting business, creating jobs, making neighbourhoods safe and protecting the NHS.

I proudly stood alongside my neighbours last year and clapped for those who were on the frontline of the pandemic. It was especially meaningful for me as my wife works in the NHS and my Mum was a nurse. It gave me hope that, just as we did after the Second World War, we could emerge from this crisis to build a better future.

But I know that at the last election Labour lost the trust of too many people. My pledge on becoming leader was to restore trust in our party as a force for good and a force for change. I am in no doubt about the scale of that task.

During this campaign it's been fantastic to get the chance to speak with so many people from communities up and down the country. A clear common thread has emerged in those conversations: security. Secure jobs, access to a GP or treatment when your need it, and knowing your neighbourhood is safe.

I’ve heard you loud and clear. And Labour’s priorities are your priorities. Trust us with your vote next week and we will deliver for you. We’ll fight every day to secure our economy, protect our NHS and rebuild our country.