Plymouth Labour says it has assembled its best group of candidates so far to stand in the local elections, all determined to Build A Better Plymouth.

The 19 candidates, including the group’s long-serving leader Cllr Tudor Evans OBE, have launched their local election campaign with a firm promise to the people of Plymouth to bring stability to the council after what Cllr Evans called “a carnival of chaos”.

“We’ve had two years of instability and Conservative infighting and backbiting all topped off by the appalling handling of the Armada Way scheme,” said Cllr Evans.

“Labour has a clear plan underpinned by our five pledges and a committed, united team ready to take on the challenge of steering the city onto a smoother course.

“We also have a fantastically ambitious plan to “green” the city centre.”

The pledges were launched on March 25 as the Labour party’s election candidates, councillors, party members as well as friends and family gathered to officially launch the election campaign.

Plymouth Labour’s 19 candidates come from a range of backgrounds and experience including a former BBC journalist, a retired headteacher, a youth worker and a kitchen porter.

There are also seven sitting councillors hoping to retain their seats including Cllr Evans in Ham, the Lord Mayor, Sue Dann, in Sutton and Mount Gould, the Deputy Lord Mayor, Chris Penberthy, in St Peter and the Waterfront and deputy group leader, Jemima Laing, in Stoke.

“Our five pledges which cover crime and anti-social behaviour, cleaner streets and potholes, new homes, access to healthcare and green investment have been shaped by the thousands of conversations we have had on doorsteps across the city,” said Cllr Evans.

“We have spent the past 12 months listening and our pledges are the culmination of what our residents have been telling us very clearly. 

“It’s still quite extraordinary to think that, a couple of weeks ago, the city’s Tory MPs Johnny Mercer and Gary Streeter called for Labour to run the council, showing how little faith they have in their Conservative councillor colleagues to do the job,” said Cllr Evans.

“I hope that when the people of Plymouth get the chance to cast their votes on 4 May they will agree with the city’s three MPS who all want Labour back in charge.”

Labour’s Five Pledges: