Last General Election: Diane Abbott releases statement after Keir Starmer says she may stand as Labor candidate

Alexandra Rogers, political reporter

The Conservatives have pledged £20m to 30 towns across the country, in what Labor described as a “reckless and cash-strapped commitment”.

Rishi Sunak’s party said it would add the cities – many of which are in the Midlands and North – to its existing Long Term Cities Plan, taking the number that will receive financial support to more than 100.

The Tories said local residents in each area would decide how the money was spent through new town boards made up of community leaders, businesses, local authorities and the local MP.

The Prime Minister said “bold action” would “transform” 30 cities because, he said, Labour’s record in government “shows they don’t care about cities – neglecting their needs, allowing them to fail and focusing on cities instead.” .

“Sir Keir Starmer has no plan to open up opportunities in cities and would take us back to square one,” he said.

Some of the towns proposed to be added to the scheme include Tamworth, Preston, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Corby, Halifax, Bognor Regis, Newtown, Flint, Perth and Newry.

Labor is critical of funding as leaders go on tour

Labor has argued that the ring-fenced funds to pay for the investment are the same as those used to fund recent announcements to create a new tax-free Pension Allowance and National Service Scheme, which would compel young adults to take part in community training or military .

Deputy leader Angela Rayner will promote the party’s own “strengthening agenda” on a more than 5,000-mile battle bus tour on Saturday, during which she will be joined by Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Labor said the Takeover Control Bill would hand power to Westminster and give communities a new right to demand more powers.

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