Medway Labour and local residents had a visit from Labour leadership contender David Miliband today. David met residents on Rochester Highstreet after arriving at Rochester station, he met a number of voters whilst walking down Rochester Highstreet. He spoke with a number of parents about their concerns around education, before hosting a meeting in the Visitor Centre where he spoke to both Labour and non-Labour constituents.

David listened to residents and activists about the concerns raised on the doorstep and reaffirmed the position that Labour needed to listen and learn. He made clear that it was key that Labour accept that it suffered a 'kicking' from the electorate in Medway and that it was now for Labour to renew and listen to residents, to rebuild a trust and a Labour movement which once again engages with the issues that concern families, business and residents in Medway.

Speaking after the meeting, he said

'There were a range of reasons that were put forward, people felt that we had become disconnected from the aspirations and hopes of too many voters.

'Some of the voters I have met have told me that, and they have raised issues like housing, education, immigration, also pocket book issues where people felt that we were not really offering the sort of change the country needed and that's something we have to take very seriously."

It is hoped that Medway Labour will be holding a series of engagements that will allow members of the public and members to meet the leadership contenders, and give people an opportunity to ask difficult questions about the renewal of Labour in Medway.