THE author of Labour’s election manifesto has vowed to protect local jobs, public services and spending on schools.
Energy and climate change minister Ed Miliband also praised Labour prospective parliamentary candidate Stella Creasy, during a visit to the Lloyd Park Children’s Centre in Walthamstow.
Providing a preview of the Labour manifesto on the day before its Monday release, Mr Milliband said: “We know business as usual willl not do. We know business as usual will not do in relation to our economy, public services or our politics either.
“The reason business will not do is because of the two crises we have seen - the global economic crisis and the political crisis caused by expenses.
“We are looking for three mandates: to rebuild and renew the economy, to strengthen public services and society as we cut the deficit and to renew our politics.
"We are fighting for the future in this election. "Our country needs the next phase of renewal like it needed in 1997.
"We are the people with the values, experience and judgement to make that happen.”
He also attacked the Tories for failing to guarantee spending on education.
“The Tories refuse to guarantee spending on schools and Sure Start centres, including schools and centres in this constituency,” he said.
Mr Miliband paid tribute to “brilliant local MP” Neill Gerrard, who is standing down at the next election, but said his “very good friend” Stella Creasy would make a “fantastic” member of Parliament for Walthamstow.
Ms Creasy said: "It is amazing to have Ed come to Walthamstow and give us all a sneak preview of the manifesto.
"What a way to put Walthamstow on the map. I am very proud to have him here."
Reacting to the Labour manifesto, Tory frontbencher Chris Grayling told the BBC that it was "a series of reheated promises that Labour have already broken once.”
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said Labour had promised fairness at each of the last three elections, adding: “If they haven't managed to do it in 13 years, why would anyone believe they are going to do it this time?"
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