Sarah Hehir meets Ed Miliband

From right to left: Labour candidate Sarah Hehir, Labour Leader Ed Miliband, Councillor Theresa Murray, Young Labour member Oscar Davies and Labour candidate Derek Munton

I met Ed Miliband today at Priestfields Stadum in Gillingham at Labour's National Policy Forum. I was immediately encouraged by his confidence in a brighter Britain under a future Labour Government.  He spoke passionately of a Labour party committed to social justice and economic growth, motivated by an optimistic vision of our communities and country.

He answered specific questions: he wants to make high streets the centre of communities once again and to reclaim the idea of a 'Big Society' so that it constitutes more than hollow platitudes. Ed Miliband opposes the rise in tuition fees, he opposes changes to Royal Mail which will threaten more local services, he supports the building of new affordable homes and opposes the Coalition's drastic cuts to frontline services.

When I shook hands with Ed Miliband (52 seconds in!) I spoke to him about the people of Rochester West; people who don't discuss politics in technical, party-political terms but who have great ideas about how to improve our area and shape a more dynamic and inclusive community. People who have retained an optimism even in the face of these devastating cuts and years of Conservative misrule on Medway Council.

This afternoon some of the nitty gritty of Labour policy will be ironed out. We will have a clear manifesto. In the meantime, Labour councillors across Medway and the UK are continuing to work hard work to build better communities and support local business.

Medway has had a Conservative controlled council for 10 years. In May, there is a chance to make a change. I hope you will vote for me and give me the opportunity to implement that change.