Bev Craig: “I think you have to be honest, don't you? I think the local elections were difficult for Labour across the country.”

I never believed as a girl growing up on a council estate that one day I would have the chance to stand for the place that I love.

I am standing as my own person, with my own ideas, and I’ll be accountable to this region, and to no one else.

So, the hard work begins. I’ve done it with a promise and a plan, and my promise to you is that I will leave this city region better.

The generational belief that we had, that if you work hard and do the right thing, your life will be better and the life of the community will be better, is something that many people just don’t feel at the minute.