I hope you all had a peaceful Christmas and wish everyone a Happy New Year. However, I fear this year could prove even worse than 2022, which was memorable for all the wrong reasons.

The Conservatives burned through three prime ministers and four chancellors of the exchequer in as many months. After the utter chaos of the year, we ended up with taxes at a 70-year high, rampaging inflation at a 40-year high and energy bills through the roof, and we still have an under-funded NHS in a state of near-permanent crisis.

In Watford, we deserve so much better.

Now, this didn’t happen because Russia invaded Ukraine, it came about because of decisions the Tory government chose to make, backed all the way by Watford’s current MP. He supported Boris Johnson to the hilt, despite all the lying and the police fine, before switching his support to Liz Truss, who had a shorter active shelf-life than a lettuce!

I’ve noticed the belt-tightening that has been going on this Christmas, while out and about in our town, people clearly don’t have as much money to go round.

Watford residents remain generous people. I visited the food bank pre-Christmas and spoke with the volunteers there. While demand remains high, donations have been coming in. But, you can’t help wondering what is going on when so many people need to use food banks in the sixth richest country in the world.

My prediction for the year is that the cost-of-living crisis will continue to bite in Watford. I would like there to be a general election, to give us the chance to start fixing all that’s wrong in our town and country. I stand ready to serve.

  • Cllr Matt Turmaine is Labour's parliamentary candidate for Watford