• THE local elections that took place across much of the country last week sent out a clear message.

People are still really struggling with the cost-of-living crisis; and they are frustrated with the failure of the Tories to grapple with this big problem and support hard-pressed families.

I have heard that message loud and clear in South Hampstead too.

Younger residents watch on in desperation as their rent goes up and up but their pay falters.

Some families are struggling to feed their children as food prices continue to skyrocket. And many older residents feel their pension is lagging behind the rising cost of living too.

Despite this big squeeze, the local Tories have been either missing in action or fighting among themselves.

As a social worker, I know that targeted support is the only way we’ll weather this storm and stop families from falling through the cracks. That’s why I have been campaigning every day to secure extra help for families in our community.

In particular, I have been pushing for affordable and healthy school breakfasts to be available for every secondary school child. That way parents get a helping hand and no child goes hungry in Camden.

As I have previously written in these pages, we also need to support struggling families with the cost of buying school uniforms. This hidden cost hits families every year, so I know extra help here would make a big difference.

If elected in the by-election on June 1, I am determined to deliver practical help with the rising cost of living. In South Hampstead, I hope I can count on your support to do just that.

TOMMY GALE
Labour Candidate for South Hampstead By-election