It is *incredibly* shabby that the Green Party cited "family and personal reasons" for their Makerfield candidate dropping out, given it was actually in relation to sharing antisemitic posts. Had a right-wing party done the same, they'd be getting called out loudly here for it. And rightly so.

I used Business Questions to draw attention to the scandal of poor quality and poorly-regulated houses converted into Supported Exempt Accommodation (SEAs). While some SEAs provide meaningful support, at their worst SEAs are a by-word for exploitation and crime. It's time for proper regulation.

This is the sort of change that won't get the headlines, but it will make a real difference for the delivery of larger transport improvements

Labour Deputy Leader @lucympowell.bsky.social says that ASLEF and our fellow trade unions are the party's 'superpower'. Lucy opened #AAD26, our annual conference.

It was more complicated than this. Powers to franchise buses existed under the Transport Act 2000 ('quality contracts'). But the requirements were too onerous to make work. Tyne and Wear tried to regulate buses in the mid-2010s but were blocked by a very aggressive operator campaign. (1/2)

The Tories haven't tabled a debate on education for the King's Speech. I wonder why? Maybe they don't want to talk about all the things Labour are doing to give children growing up in our country the best start in life – so here's your reminder. 👇

Birmingham Reform councillor, 56, faces backlash over 'gross' social posts about young women www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midland...

Today is not just results day, it's the 81st anniversary of #VEDay. Thanks to their sacrifice, you got the opportunity to vote. #LestWeForget 🌺 | #Birmingham #BirminghamUK  #BrumVotes26 #Bromsgrove #B31Voices #BVoices

Ten good reasons to vote Labour in Birmingham today 👇 laurence4northfield.com/posts/vote20...

Polls are open for another nine hours. It's investment with Labour or division under Reform. If you can vote today, vote Labour.

Morning Laurence. We'll be going out at lunchtime to put a cross in the box for Kiran and Stewart in Weoley and Selly Oak.

Out early this morning to vote for Esther Rai - Labour's hard-working and effective councillor for Northfield Ward.

#BrumVotes26 NORTHFIELD Just one more sleep....... Ready to cast your votes? All your candidates for #Northfield : www.b31.org.uk/le26-nor#BrumVotes26#Northfield #Birmingham #BirminghamUK #LE26 #election #localelection

Last autumn a local Sikh woman was raped in Sandwell. Here’s how a Reform candidate in Thursday’s election responded to the horrific attack: “Good. Reap it.” Don’t let a party that stands people with these hideous views take power in Sandwell this week.

Thank you to everyone who's joined us so far on the doorstep this bank holiday weekend. I'm so proud of Labour's candidates and activists who are taking on Reform's attempt to divide our communities.

Everyone, no matter their background, needs a safe and stable home to build a healthy life. With the Renters’ Rights Act, we’ve seen what is possible when renters and housing campaigners come together and fight for change 👇 england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advi...

It was an absolute privilege to be invited to help open Allsee Technologies's new centre on the West Works site. The LED signs-maker sells its products all over the world. It's a real vote of confidence in Longbridge and Birmingham that they chose to invest millions to build the new facility here.

Happy Renters’ Rights Day, England. This Labour government is delivering for private renters.

This #MayDay is the first with new rights: 😷 Sick pay from day one ✊ Repealed the Tory anti-union laws ⏰ End to zero-hours contracts 🙅‍♂️ Ban on fire and rehire 🍼 Improved paternity rights ✅ Boosted redundancy protections 🙌 And so much more Let’s keep building for more 👏

Out delivering for Esther Rai, Labour's candidate and councillor for Northfield ward.

The news from Golders Green is horrifying. My thoughts are with Jewish friends and the Jewish community in Birmingham. www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-...

This is extraordinary. The MPs' Code of Conduct clearly says: 'New Members must register all their current financial interests, and any registrable benefits (other than earnings) received in the 12 months before their election within one month of their election.'

As a case in point. I returned to Birmingham this morning because of an unexpected family matter. Otherwise, I would have been glad to have joined Labour colleagues in voting the Tory motion down. Had it gone through, the bar for referrals would be set so low that Parliament could not function.

** Important update on the Birmingham bin strike ** After months of work, Birmingham City Council and Unite have agreed the outlines of a new agreement that should see the strike come to an end. A few reflections on the strike, and on what happens next (1/6)

Social media algorithms are rewarding disinformation and stoking division. Marianna Spring is excellent and this is an alarming read on what has gone on in Epsom. In government, we need to constantly challenge ourselves on this issue. This can't keep going unchecked www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Northfield Labour out talking to postal voters over the last two days. If you are voting by post, your ballot must reach the Council by 22:00 on polling day. If you can't send your vote in time, you can still take it to the polling station.

Great to answer questions from St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School's inaugural A Level politics class yesterday.

Back out delivering leaflets and knocking on doors today for Carmel Corrigan, Labour's superb councillor for Kings Norton North.

James is of course correct, but guess which tweet goes viral

Labour out on the doorstep across Northfield constituency today. We're working hard for every vote.

Wild garlic and bluebells down by the Rea

Congratulations to the organisers of Pride of Longbridge on their 20th annual gathering. A fantastic celebration of motoring and industrial heritage. And the rain held off until the end.

Great to be out talking to residents this morning with Seb Lovell-Huckle, Labour's candidate for Allens Cross. Some months ago, I helped secure more regular police patrols. A number of residents reported that anti-social behavior associated with an alley has fallen as a result.

Just some of the Northfield Labour teams out, talking to residents in recent days. The polls indicate that it's between Labour and Reform for leadership of the Council. We're working hard for every vote.

Armed forces accommodation scandals extend to new buildings under the last Conservative government. Glenart Castle Mess in was built in 2017 at a cost of £36 million. It was found to have 95% flammable external cladding and 'high volume of defects that needed to be addressed immediately.' (1/2)

Reform UK Nottinghamshire Council borrow £15m Nottinghamshire council led by Mick Barton have borrowed £15m in their first year, making this another broken promise - which follows their pre-election Council Tax pledge. Prior to the election Reform UK had criticised borrowing and adding to debt.

Four new breakfast clubs in B'ham Northfield open this week. Every child should be able start the day with a meal. And it's real help with attainment, attendance, calmer classrooms - and the cost of living. An important manifesto commitment being delivered.

It was really helpful to discuss SEND reform with parents recently, kindly arranged by @bhampathfinder.bsky.social. If any other local SEND / family support groups want to organise a similar discussion then please let me know.

🚨 NEW: Keir Starmer has congratulated Magyar Péter after Viktor Orbán lost Hungary’s Parliamentary election "This is an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy"

😷 Statutory Sick Pay from your first day off sick. 💪 New, simpler union recognition rights. 📢 New protections for whistleblowers. 🧑‍🍼 Paternity leave and unpaid parental leave from your first day on the job. 2/3

New workplace right came in this week because of the unique connection between Labour and working people, through the trade union link. 🌹✊1/3

Back out on the doorstep talking to residents in Northfield ward this evening with Labour's councillor and candidate Esther Rai

Worth getting up early for this morning - the first Camp Hill train from Kings Norton since 1941!

Today is a good day for children! 450,000 will be lifted out of poverty thanks to the end of the two-child limit. We're celebrating this along with 17 other orgs with an advert in The Times. The advert has been funded by hundreds of small donations from people supporting @38degrees.bsky.social.

New rights at work take effect today, including extending sick pay to the first day of illness, and paternity leave entitlement from the first day of employment. All thanks to Labour's Employment Rights Act. The Tories and Reform would scrap it.

Just some of the new rights at work heading your way today thanks to a Labour Government, the Labour-union link and the New Deal for Working People.

Update for West Heath residents about the 'Groveley Garden Village' proposals.

Free event planned to celebrate Shenley’s heritage READ HERE:👉 bvoices.uk/41Rc1gp #Shenley #Heritage   #Birmingham #BirminghamUK #Bournville #B31Voices #BVoices  @Bournville Village Trust