Aylesbury Labour Launches Local Election Campaign with Call for Change

Aylesbury Labour has officially launched its local election campaign, vowing to bring much-needed change to Aylesbury and its surrounding villages.

The campaign was kicked off at the "Together For Change" event on Saturday, (15/03/25) attended by Labour supporters from across the county, along with three special guests: Aylesbury MP Laura Kyrke-Smith, South East colleagues Alex Baker MP, and Tom Rutland MP.

The event provided an opportunity for attendees to engage with key issues affecting both the local community and the nation. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including improving access to GP appointments, reducing NHS waiting times, and holding water companies accountable. Local concerns raised included the provision of mental health services, social care improvements, infrastructure issues on new housing estates, and planning strategies for affordable housing.

Mark Bateman, Chair of Aylesbury Labour, expressed excitement over the campaign's launch. “We are excited to officially launch our local election campaign. Our MP, Laura Kyrke-Smith, has been incredibly busy both in Parliament and within our community. Since the General Election last July, our members have been speaking with residents almost every weekend, and Laura has been actively engaging with them.”

Bateman highlighted key concerns voiced by residents, including traffic congestion due to poor planning, difficulties in accessing GP services, issues with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) education, anti-social behaviour, housing challenges, and environmental concerns.

“Aylesbury Labour wants to be in a position where we can tackle these issues head-on. With dedicated councillors on board, we can work alongside Laura to bring about positive changes in our communities,” he added.

Labour has confirmed that they will be fielding a full roster of candidates in every ward across Aylesbury and the surrounding villages. The party is eager to work with Buckinghamshire Council to ensure that residents receive good value for their Council Tax contributions.

Laura Kyrke-Smith MP emphasized the need for change, citing widespread dissatisfaction with the Conservative-run Buckinghamshire Council.

“Every day, we hear frustrations from people struggling to get on the housing register, parents unable to secure school places for children with special educational needs, and residents waiting years for potholes and pavements to be fixed. The poorly planned roadworks leading to endless traffic congestion is a shared frustration,” Kyrke-Smith said.

“It’s time for change here in Bucks. Our Labour candidates are working tirelessly to earn every vote and bring about meaningful change on May 1st.”

Residents will head to the polls on Thursday, May 1st, to vote in the unitary, town, and parish council elections. A total of 97 Buckinghamshire Council seats will be contested across 49 wards, alongside elections for town and parish council positions where applicable.