Maggie Jones, Labour

This election is about the future for Blaenau Gwent. With a Labour MP and a Labour government we can seize new opportunities for investment and regeneration that builds on our proud history.

As a lifelong trade union campaigner and negotiator I am determined to bring new prosperity to the area.

As a leading Labour activist I have the clout to deliver the support of a Labour government. This is why the local Labour party members voted for me to be their candidate. They felt it was time for a change and a new generation to speak for Blaenau Gwent.

I'm proud to be standing on Labour's record. In 1997 we inherited from the Tories mass unemployment, high interest rates, wages of £1.50 an hour and years of underinvestment in our schools and hospitals.

Since then we have delivered economic stability and growth, major investment in public services, union rights, the minimum wage and a major reduction of child and pensioner poverty.

Of course there is still more to do, but a Labour government, based on Labour values, will continue to deliver for the people of Blaenau Gwent. Already we can see the practical effects of Labour's investment in the area:

* More teachers and new school buildings helping to drive up educational achievement,

* A new hospital to be built on the Corus site,

* Better transport links with the new Ebbw Vale rail link, the Cwm by-pass and the Heads of the Valleys dualling,

* More police and community support officers, and the award winning CCTV cameras cutting crime and

* £27 million worth of grants to regenerate Blaenau Gwent and attract new jobs.

But we must do more. This is why, as your MP I would:

* Work positively with Labour in Westminster and Cardiff for more jobs and investment here,

* Push for zero tolerance of anti social behaviour, more community policing and a fresh crackdown on louts,

* Fight to protect occupational pension payments and improve living standards for the poorest pensioners,

* Fight for even greater investment in health and education and

* Fight tooth and nail to protect our environment.

This election is about choosing the next government. Don't let the Tories in by the back door by voting for one of the opposition candidates.

Only voting Labour can deliver a Labour government. Your choice is forward with Labour or back with the Tories.