Sharon Hodgson MP, who has held senior appointments both in government and opposition, has today travelled to Portsmouth following an invitation from Stephen Morgan MP. Her time in Portsmouth was spent meeting members of the local community and hearing about the most pressing issues the city faces.

On the visit, Mr. Morgan said:

“I am delighted to have hosted the Shadow Minister today, it has given many from our city the opportunity to voice their public health concerns and hear first hand how the Labour Party plans to deal with them.”

Ahead of local elections on the May 2, the Shadow Minister met candidates from a variation of wards throughout the city.

Ms Hodgson, who prior to becoming an MP was a vastly successful Labour Party Organiser, was able to share her wealth of knowledge on local elections and offer guidance to prospective candidates.

Isabelle Sene our Paulsgrove candidate said:

“It was great to have Sharon out on the doorstep with me and the team in Paulsgrove. I also had the opportunity to talk to her about a range of issues including the cuts to free school meals. In Paulsgrove we had over 70 children accessing our holiday hunger club each day. Along with cuts to local education like Beacon View and Portsdown Primary having combined cuts of over £850k stripped from their budgets in the last four years, the Tories simply don’t care about our children”.

Mr. Morgan has said:

“Today the Shadow Minister has spent a lot of time on doorsteps speaking with the people of Portsmouth. 

From Paulsgrove to Milton, Sharon Hodgson MP has listened to the views of local community members and has seen first hand the issues faced by our city.

Having an experienced campaigner and prominent MP on the streets of Portsmouth backing Labour for the 2 May has been invaluable in rousing support.”

The meeting also provided local party members with the opportunity to meet the Shadow Minister and discuss the unique challenges faced by a coastal community like Portsmouth.