Voters across England today have the opportunity to deliver their verdict on 13 years of Conservative government.
As they do so they will ask themselves a simple question: Am I better off than I was when the Tories came to power in 2010?
For the vast majority, the answer is no.
The Government’s mismanagement of the economy has inflicted the steepest fall in living standards since the Second World War.
Wages have been squeezed and taxes raised as food and fuel prices continue to increase.
The Conservatives have ruined our public services. There are too few police on our streets and too many potholes on our roads.
There are too few homes being built and too many people waiting for housing. There are lengthy waits for a GP or dentist appointment but not enough investment in health care.
The alternative is a Labour government that has pledged to build more homes, tackle crime and restore pride to our high streets.
Today is a chance to start the process of rebuilding. But remember, you will need to show a valid form of ID in order to vote.
Shout of order
It is understandable why the police are prepared to take swift action against any protestors disrupting the Coronation.
Nobody wants a moment of national celebration ruined by disorder or violence.
But we should also be concerned at the exceptional powers handed to the police under the Public Order Act.
This gives them the right to block demonstrations, limit the size of gatherings and close them down if deemed too noisy.
You should have the freedom to protest. The Government should not be closing down voices just because it disagrees with them.
Disease hope
Too many lives are blighted by Alzheimer’s disease.
That may be about to change with a drug that can slow its onset. The beginning of the end of Alzheimer’s is finally in sight.
