THE leader of Southampton City Council has spoken for the first time at the Labour party conference as she introduced Keir Starmer.

Cllr Satvir Kaur warmed up for the Labour leader as she spoke of her own origin, growing up on free school meals in Southampton.

Making her debut at the conference, the council leader also took a swipe at the former Conservative administration in Southampton, recounting her party's success in winning back the council this year.

She said: “When Labour lost in Southampton last year we had a choice.

“We could either wallow in our grief and accept opposition politics, or we could get organised, get active and work together to take the fight to the Tories.

“Offering a new vision. A fresh start, an alternative to Conservative chaos. As tempting and easy as the former might be, we took the harder, much more rewarding route.

“We took Labour back into power. Where Labour is in power it is changing lives. But conference, we all know that this country desperately needs a Labour government”.

Daily Echo: Party leader Sir Keir Starmer making his keynote address during the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday September 27, 2022.Party leader Sir Keir Starmer making his keynote address during the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday September 27, 2022. (Image: PA Media)

Speaking straight before Sir Keir Starmer took to the stage, Cllr Kaur said she wouldn’t be where she is today if it hadn’t been for the previous Labour government.

“I’m an inner city kid that grew up on free school meals in Southampton.

“Now I’m leader of the council and parliamentary candidate for the area I was born and bred. Never in a million years did I imagine I would be here speaking to you all today.

“On this very grand stage, in a room full of incredible people about to introduce our next Prime Minister.”

Her comments came as the Labour party rose to its largest poll lead in over two decades over the Conservative party.

She added: “Everyone can see we’ve changed; we’ve stopped talking to ourselves and turned to face the people of this country.

“We have led the way on tackling the cost of living crisis and came up with the solutions the government has been forced to adopt.

“We have started listening to people and we are being rewarded by people listening to us once again.

“So if you’re watching this from home angry with where the Conservatives have blindly led us, join us and get involved.

“If you are already involved but not active, get active. And if you’re already active get more active. Because this is our time. This will be our victory.”

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