Jeremy Corbyn calls on voters to tell Tories 'enough is enough' in local elections
2 min read
Voters should tell Theresa May that "enough is enough" by giving the Conservatives a bloody nose at the upcoming local elections, according to Jeremy Corbyn.
The Labour leader will say residents have the chance to deliver a verdict on cuts to local services and increases in their council tax bills.
Mr Corbyn will speak out in Trafford, Greater Manchester, as he officially launches Labour's campaign for the local elections on 3 May.
He will say: "People across England will have the chance to send an unmistakable message to this government that enough is enough.
"Enough of cuts to vital services that hurt local communities; enough of cuts to schools, hospitals and local policing; enough of library and youth centres closures, enough of leaving elderly and disabled people without essential care; and enough of failed privatisations that suck funds out of public services so a few can make a profit."
Mr Corbyn will say "austerity is a political choice" and accuse the Conservatives of prioritising tax cuts for the wealthy instead of investing in areas like schools and social care.
He will add: "Decent people who have contributed all their lives have been turned into an item on a spreadsheet, sliced and diced into 15-minute units of care, because of Conservative cuts and privatisation dogma.
“Struggling taxpayers now face rising council tax bills because of the Conservatives’ cuts. It’s the same for local businesses and shops that are the lifeblood of our communities and high streets. They will see their rates increase by over £3,000, as vital services are cut.
"The message from Theresa May’s government could not be clearer: pay more for less under the Conservatives."
Thousands of council seats across England will be up for grabs in the elections, with Labour tipped to make major gains.
Tory peer and polling expert Lord Hayward has predicted that the Tories could end up with their lowest ever number of seats in London.
He said: "We are seeing an incredible demographic shift and Labour were very successful in the general election and I would expect that to continue in 2018.
"I expect the Tories to lose seats overall and the Liberal Democrats to gain seats in some parts of the country."
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