Good afternoon, everyone.

On this, the eve of a general election, I speak to you not as simply another Labour candidate, but as one of you. I was born about 5 or 6 miles away at New Cross Hospital and grew up just 2 miles away in Tipton. I went to primary school in Lanesfield, to secondary school in Sedgley, to sixth form right here in Dudley and I attended the University of Wolverhampton. I am very proud of where I come from and that I grew up in the Black Country. You might pick up on that I still have the accent.

Much like this man behind me, Duncan Edwards, a native son of the Black Country who went on to achieve greatness outside of his home, playing for Manchester United and England and was described as one of the best footballers of his era, before having his life cruelly taken from him in the Munich Air Disaster, I have myself found success beyond the borders of the Black Country. But that doesn't mean I have forgotten my roots, or that I want to forget them.

It is today that I stand before you as the only candidate who can ever truly represent the Black Country. I have walked these streets, drank the water, breathed the air and adorned the Black Country flag.

For too long, the Black Country faced decline and neglect under Conservative governments, represented by MPs who didn't care about who they represented. Over the last year, Labour has worked hard to right the wrongs of years past and put this country back on track. Now we ask you to help us continue to do that. The work of government is never done and under the leadership of Youmaton, with me as your Member of Parliament, we will make the Black Country prosperous again.

This area was the beating heart of the Industrial Revolution. Steel foundries lit up the night sky and barges transported coal and raw and manufactured goods too and from the Black Country across Britain and ultimately the world. The chain for the Titanic's anchor was made at the Round Oak Steelworks.

Coalition! do not understand what our history means to us. They are the party of the London elites, not the hard-working people of the Midlands and the North. This is why I invite you to vote Labour and put the Black Country back on track.

Thank you very much. I'll be sticking around to answer some questions, just after I grab a steak bake and a bottle of Coke from Gregg's. Feel free to stick around.