The Darlington Labour Party has pledged to support residents and provide opportunities for all with “energy, urgency and determination” ahead of this year’s local election. 

The party launched its local election manifesto on Saturday at the Forum as it bids to regain control of the council after losing power in 2019. And despite being on the opposition benches for four years, members say the public hasn’t forgotten about the Labour Party. 

Its manifesto outlines five key pledges designed to deliver short-term and transformative change to the lives of every resident. They are: help with the cost-of-living crisis; a healthier and greener Darlington; safer communities; better transport for all; and a better-run council. 

“These are pledges that reflect the concerns we’re hearing on the doorstep and things that the Tory administration have largely forgotten about,” said cllr Harker. “This is what people are telling us needs to change, and it’s what people are most concerned about.”

It is the cost-of-living crisis which cllr Harker says has had a huge impact on people’s lives across all parts of society, and is something they have pledged to fix. This means building more council houses, improving renters’ rights and working closer with local charities. 

Cllr Harker added: “There's too much housing that isn't fit for habitation and is wholly unsuitable. This will fix a whole raft of issues from giving people peace of mind to fixing health issues caused by poor housing.”

The Northern Echo: Labour leader cllr Stephen Harker launched the party's manifesto ahead of the election in May Labour leader cllr Stephen Harker launched the party's manifesto ahead of the election in May (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Fixing the ongoing issues with bus services in the town is also a priority, with members saying disruption has gone on too long, has been neglected by the current administration, and is having a detrimental impact on people’s livelihoods. Labour pledges to review and improve every bus route in town to ensure they’re fit-for-purpose. 

“For many people, a reliable bus service is essential to their lives and if you’ve got an irregular service it plays havoc with their lives,” added cllr Harker.

In terms of key amenities and everyday public services the Labour leader lambasted how there is no sign of progress or improvement, emphasising the need for the short-term improvements they are proposing. 

After the party’s historic loss in 2019 - the first election defeat in 32 years - should residents trust the party again? “We hear the issues that people are facing; the cost-of-living, health, community safety, transport and housing, and those are things that need fixing today,” said cllr Harker. 

“We want to deliver the best local services. Supporting residents who need the most help. Providing opportunities for all. The Tory council doesn’t seem to be acknowledging many of the difficulties that people are facing in our town.”

Alongside the everyday issues raised on the doorstep, Labour says it will keep banging the drum for Darlington in Westminster and build upon recent investment successes for the town. The new Treasury headquarters has the potential to be “a catalyst for huge change”, the party says, and will pay dividends in years to come. 

And after the Conservatives reached an agreement with Liberal Democrat and Independent members four years ago, the party also says it is willing to form a coalition with other groups if no single party achieves overall control. 

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Cllr Harker added: “There are more fresh faces standing for Labour than ever before - from nurses and chemical workers to teachers and doctors. With new faces with new ideas working alongside experienced councillors I’m sure you can see that Darlington Labour are raring to go.

“Labour has changed for the better and we’re ready to make Darlington better than ever before. Our drive and determination is to make sure we provide opportunities for everybody wherever they’re from and whatever they do.”

​​The local elections in Darlington take place on Thursday, May 4.