LABOUR leader Sir Keir Starmer was in Thurrock today (Thursday, 16 May) to launch his party's 'First steps for change' – described by the party hierarchy as Labour's 'doorstep offer to the British people'.

At an event in Purfleet, Sir Keir and his Shadow Cabinet outlined Labour's plans in the wake of the outcomes across the country of recent elections when labour did better than most people expected.

Their successes included taking majority control of Thurrock Council.

Speaking at Purfleet he told said: "This next phase of our strategy is crucially important. It's where we work tirelessly to give people back a belief in change, by showing the real difference a Labour government will make to their lives."

Speaking to a captive and supportive audience he explained that now was the time for his party to show how, if elected, Labour would make an urgent start to deliver on them.

He said Labour was 'evolving its traditional pledge card' and would be promising first steps towards the missions – 'a down payment on change – on our determination to begin a decade of national renewal'.

Sir Keir added: "What is crucial about these commitments is that they are part of a long-term plan to get Britain back on its feet.

"Each of the first steps would chime with voters' aspirations, show a clear set of priorities and a powerful direction of travel.

Sir Keir personally delivered the first of the pledge cards after the event, along with Labour's Parliamentary Candidate for Thurrock Jen Craft, as they visited South Ockendon resident Susanna Corner.

Sir Keir Starmer and Jen Craft at the Purfleet event.

Ms Corner said: "It was my pleasure to welcome Keir and Jen to my home today - I didn't vote for Labour previously as I felt that the party had lost it's way, but under Keir's leadership I really feel that the party has what it takes to get our country back on it's feet and make sure we can all have a future we can believe in."

Earlier in the day, Haruna Hamza, a Security Manager from Grays was introduced to the Labour leader and said afterwards: "I have always voted Conservative, but I won't be doing that again. 

"They've let the country down badly. I'm excited to vote Labour at the next General Election, the Labour Party gives me hope. 

"Keir Starmer is a good man, he's honest and he's a man of action. He will lead a Government that will deliver for ordinary people across the country and that is why I'll be voting Labour."

Ms Craft said: "I am delighted that it is here in Thurrock that Keir Starmer and the Shadow Cabinet have launched Labour's first steps to change Britain.  

"Week in and week out I am hearing first hand how badly people have been let down by 14 years of Conservative Government. This is my community and my home and I know that we deserve better.

"So it was a real honour to be able to take Keir to a house in Thurrock to deliver the very first of our cards setting out the first steps that a Labour Government will take to change people's lives for the better.

"It sends a real signal about the ambition that the party's leadership has for communities like ours."