Rushanara Ali officially launched her campaign for re-election in Bethnal Green and Bow at a local event attended by a host of fellow Labour colleagues, members and supporters, with former Labour leader Lord Kinnock giving the keynote address.

Her Labour colleagues Lyn Brown, Margaret Hodge and Frank Dobson also gave speeches to a packed auditorium at Queen Mary University at the event compered by Rushanara’s Tower Hamlets Labour colleague, Jim Fitzpatrick. The event also saw a speech from Labour prospective parliamentary candidate Wes Streeting, who is standing for election in Ilford North.

Speaking after the event, Rushanara said:

“I am delighted this event brought together so many Labour colleagues, dedicated members and supporters who are working tirelessly to secure a Labour Government next month. The amazing turnout and energy at our campaign launch shows Labour has real momentum throughout East London as we approach the General Election next month.”

“Tonight’s speeches will have also left no-one in doubt: the outcome of this election could not be more important for our community. The last five years have hit the people of the East End incredibly hard – with child poverty at record levels, wages low and stagnant, and thousands of people left waiting for housing facing high rents or the bedroom tax. Only a Labour Government will tackle low pay, protect our NHS, bring an end to zero-hour contracts, and build one million homes over the next Parliament. We now have a real opportunity once again to unite our East End for a better future.”