Angela Rayner joined Labour activists on the campaign trail after the launch of the party’s manifesto for the city for the local elections.

The deputy leader of the party accompanied Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle and shadow cabinet minister Florence Eshalomi at the event yesterday, where the party pledged to create a “better Brighton and Hove for all”.

Among the pledges made by Labour in its manifesto include a reliable rubbish collection service, licensing landlords and creating more park and ride spaces.

The party is aiming to achieve majority control of the council for the first time in 20 years, claiming that is the only way to ensure progress on issues that matter to residents.

The Argus:

While canvassing in the city, Ms Rayner said: “I’m excited about the possibility of working in government with a Brighton and Hove Labour administration.

“The manifesto is a bold and progressive vision for the city with a talented group of candidates who are committed to delivering it.

“Electing a Labour council in May and a Labour government next year will be transformational for the lives of many.”

Tristram Burden, Labour's candidate for Queen’s Park ward, said campaigning with Ms Rayner was an “absolute joy”.

“She knows the difference a Labour majority can bring to our city and wanted to help out,” he said.

The Argus: Labour activists and candidates at yesterday's manifesto launchLabour activists and candidates at yesterday's manifesto launch (Image: The Argus)

Ms Eshalomi, MP for Vauxhall in London, said that Labour has the plan to transform people’s lives, to address the climate emergency, and to deal with the cost of living crisis.

She told The Argus: “The Greens may talk the talk, but when they are in power, they are exposed for not doing anything.

“I hope I can bring some good luck to my friends here in Brighton and Hove. We had six Green councillors in my local authority, Lambeth - we wiped them down to two last year by sticking to bread and butter issues, that the Greens spoke about but had nothing to offer on.”

Voters across Brighton and Hove will go to the polls on May 4 to elect 54 councillors to represent the city for the next four years.