Why Labour believe you should vote for them in Sunderland City Council elections on May 7

With council elections due to take place on May 7, we are shining the spotlight on the main parties standing in the run-up to polling day.

A landmark round of local elections is taking place in Sunderland this year following changes to ward boundaries by the Local Government Boundary Commission, with 75 councillors due to be elected to new wards.

Electors can vote for no more than three candidates in their ward and anyone wanting to vote must be on the electoral register.

More than 360 candidates from five established political parties are throwing their hats into the ring, as well as three independent candidates.

All political parties and independent candidates have been given the opportunity to tell readers why you should vote for them.

Here’s what Sunderland Labour have to say.

Michael Mordey – Leader of Sunderland Labour

These elections will decide whether Sunderland continues its transformative regeneration or put our city’s future at risk.

Your Labour-led council has secured over £650 million of investment into Sunderland – creating new jobs, new homes and new cultural attractions that is transforming our city for the better.

Sunderland Labour is proud of our strong track record of delivering for our communities across Sunderland.

In Washington, the £20m investment from the Town Deal will boost economic growth and the long-awaited Metro extension will connect communities across the North East.

In the Coalfields, work is under way to transform Newbottle Street and make it a lively community hub.

The once in a generation regeneration currently under way on Riverside Sunderland is reshaping our city centre into a more attractive place to live, work and visit.

From next year, Crown Works Studios will host the largest film and TV studio in the North of England –bringing a whole new industry with new jobs to Sunderland.

Sunderland Labour is committed to delivering real changes to help ease the cost-of-living for local residents. Labour have capped bus and Metro fares, provided more free breakfast clubs in local schools and helped working families with free childcare.

Labour has frozen prescription charges, reduced household energy bills, and increased the minimum wage and the state pension.

Sunderland Labour is proud to be standing up for and supporting local people.

Under Labour, Sunderland is a city on the up. Let’s keep it that way, by voting Labour on Thursday, May 7.