Labour politician Anneliese Dodds makes visit to Watford

Among the venues Anneliese Dodds, who is shadow secretary of state for women and equalities, attended was the Watford Women's Centre.

The chairman of the Labour Party also visited d20 Board Game Café in Queen's Road, which is a hygiene project collection point helping to tackle hygiene poverty.

Speaking after her visit on Thursday, Ms Dodds said: "The Watford Women's Centre and d20 cafe are doing incredible work to support those struggling with the cost of living here in Watford and a Labour government will help with this through our plan to grow the economy, revitalise our public services and re-energise our communities."

Read more: Watford Borough Council declares 'cost of living emergency'

left to right: Cllr Matt Turmaine, Watford Women's Centre chief executive Fiona Miller, and Anneliese Dodds. Credit: Watford Labour

The politician was joined on her trip by Watford Labour councillor Matt Turmaine, who was recently announced as the Labour parliamentary candidate for Watford for the next general election.

Read more: Matt Turmaine selected as Watford’s new Labour candidate

Cllr Turmaine said: "It was great to have Anneliese here to understand the impact the cost-of-living crisis has on residents and businesses. With inflation and prices set to increase even more over the winter, women are having to decide not only between heating and eating, but sanitary products too.

"Research published by Girlguiding shows that a third of young women and girls are unable to access period products in schools and colleges because they are unavailable. As a country, we have to do more, and I believe that Labour's cost-of-living plan will help Watford through this crisis."

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