I’m standing for re-election as MP because I care passionately about our community.

Full statement

I want to get on with the job of working hard on the issues that matter to us all – protecting jobs, local schools, our NHS and tackling anti-social behaviour.

Seven years of Tory cuts have done huge damage to our community. Our NHS is at breaking point, every local school is losing teachers, and slashed policing budgets are making it harder to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Things have gone backwards under the Tories, and they’re only going to get worse. Now they have pensioners in their sights, with plans to cut the winter fuel allowance and introduce a dementia tax to cover the shortfall in social care funding.

My record shows that I’ve always put your interests first and stood up for what I believe is right. I’ve never shirked the difficult decisions.
In Westminster I’ve voted to support our brave servicemen and women and to renew Trident so that our people can continue to work and live in peace. I’m not afraid to speak my mind and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect our area and keep our country safe.
Since 2010, I’ve helped almost 20,000 local people, held over a hundred advice surgeries and knocked on tens of thousands of doors across our constituency.

This election is about who you want to be your local MP for the next five years. I’m local and proud to have delivered for local people. My values are Labour to the core but I’ll always be my own woman. If re-elected, I’ll keep working week-in week-out to make your voice heard.
That’s why I hope you’ll put your trust in me again so I can keep fighting for our community and standing up for Houghton and Sunderland South.

Source: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/politics/meet-the-candidates-would-be-mps-bid-for-your-votes-in-houghton-and-sunderland-south-1-8580313