Christian Wakeford's remarks introducing Rachel Reeves for speech in Bury

Christian Wakeford introduces Rachel Reeves for speech in Bury setting out Labour’s Plan for a Stronger Economy

Thank you Eamonn for those kind words and for your leadership here in Bury.

It’s been an interesting week, I think. I don’t know about you but I think I could do with some more sleep.

However, moving on to the agenda, we do have a shared agenda about how we can build a better Bury for all those who need it the most.

It’s a great honour, if not a surprise, to be here today. 

Yesterday, I said that Britain needs a government focused on tackling the cost of living crisis,

and providing a path out of the global pandemic,

that path needs to protect living standards, it needs to defend security of all. 

That’s why I’ve joined the Labour Party.

Because only Labour are coming up with the solutions, the Conservative Party aren’t even talking about the problem let alone offering solutions.

And here on the frontbench right now we have someone not only talking but offering a fully-costed solution and we’re all looking forward to hearing more from you, Rachel. 

Families, businesses and pensioners here in Bury and across the country really need leadership.

With Keir Starmer we’re getting real, proper leadership with integrity and respect.

The Labour Party is back firmly in the centre of British politics, 

it’s in touch with working people,

and ready to provide an alternative government that this country can be proud of and deserves, 

and certainly not to be embarrassed by, that is one of the reasons I am here today.

I will always put the people of Bury South first, 

and I look forward to working with Andy, Eamonn and Labour colleagues locally and nationally to achieve the needs of this area.

Changes that I believe can be best delivered with a Labour government led by Keir Starmer. 

Since becoming Shadow Chancellor, Rachel has shown Labour is the party of economic competence again. 

I know Labour’s plan for growth, and a stronger economy, is what we need here in Bury and across the country,

to build a new Britain based on security, prosperity and respect.

So, to introduce Rachel Reeves,

I’m very pleased to welcome our Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, to the stage.

Ladies and gentlemen, Andy Burnham.