A year of Labour let down comes as no surprise to Southwark residents

At the anniversary of the 2024 General Election, Southwark Liberal Democrats have reflected on the poor record of the Labour government, how its local Labour MPs have let residents down, and why it comes as no surprise for those living under local Labour rule for 15 years. 

This comes after the government faced a humiliating climb down over its flagship welfare reform policies which would have placed thousands of Southwark residents into poverty. 

Today, when polling company More in Common asked voters for words they associated with Labour’s achievements in government, the overwhelming word that came to mind was “nothing”. 

Commenting, Cllr Rachel Bentley, who fought the Bermondsey and Old Southwark constituency at the General Election said:  

“A year on after the General Election, and this government has been nothing but dissapointing. Its embarked on botched welfare reforms, winter fuel payment betrayals, and refused to scrap the Tory two child benefit cap.  

All of these have been deeply damaging to Southwark residents and local businesses. Its tax on jobs has threatened our fantastic independent shops, and its failure to invest in the Bakerloo Line extension has been a death knell to affordable housing across the capital.   

In contrast, our record number of 72 MPs have been working tirelessly to hold this Labour government to account, standing up for their communities, and delivering on their mandate to fight for a fair deal. They’ve consistently championed carers, cleaner rivers, and the NHS.  

Here in Southwark, our right-wing Labour MP and councillors have backed the government. They are Keir Starmer’s local mouthpieces, and refuse to stand up for their residents, despite promising otherwise.  

It is no surprise that most people when asked what Labour have achieved in the last year reply with “nothing”.  

Southwark Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said, 

“We’re used to being let down by Labour in Southwark, who have failed on housing, crime, and the cost of living for 15 years at the council.  

If Labour can’t deliver real change when they hold every lever of power – what's the point? 

It could not be clearer that the only way to deliver real change in Southwark is to elect more Liberal Democrats next May, who will fight for genuinely affordable homes, for cleaner and safer streets, and to tackle the cost of living crisis.”