LABOUR's parliamentary candidate for Thurrock has spoken about her optimism for the future following the declaration of a general election on Thursday, 4 July.

Jen Craft has described the election as a 'chance to unleash a decade of national renewal', but warned that the result was anything but a foregone conclusion. 

She says: "The Tories have failed and it's time for change. 

"Keir Starmer has changed Labour into a party that rolls up its sleeves and gets to work alongside people to solve the country's problems. 

"The Conservatives have failed us here in Thurrock, leaving us with a bankrupt council where we are paying more and getting less. This is the same nationally, where our taxes are going up while public services are broken. It's time for change.

"Only Labour has a long-term plan that will unleash a decade of national renewal. 

"But the change we need won't happen by itself. This general election is not a foregone conclusion. My team and I will work hard for every single vote until the polls close at 10pm on Thursday 4 July." 

Ms Craft grew up in Thurrock and is raising her family in the borough. She is a former civil servant who is now a full-time carer for her disabled daughter.

Find out more about her by visiting jencraft4thurrock.com