Labour is on the front foot in Trafford as we head into the final weeks before polling day. We’ve been out every week on the doorstep, having conversations with people across the borough. The more conversations we’ve had, the more it has become clear that people are increasingly disillusioned with David Cameron’s flagship borough in the north. The recent by-election in Wythenshawe and Sale East was a great fillip for us with the collapse of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat support and activist base.

The signs have been there for a while – Labour won the popular vote in 2012 at both the locals and the police and crime commissioner election. We also had a significant by-election win this January, representing a 15.5 per cent swing from the Tories to Labour since 2008. The Tories now only need to lose two seats to lose overall control. People are looking to Labour for an alternative and we aspire to put a modern, progressive and exciting programme in place from May this year.

We’re lucky to have a team from which we can draw a wealth of knowledge: housing professionals, teachers, NHS workers, along with members who have previous careers in policing and local government. It is a Labour group ready to take on the responsibilities of modern local government.

We’re putting the final touches to our 2014 manifesto, which will be taken to an all-member conference in the spring for approval. Lots of our members have fed into the policy development process, with more sessions to come.

Our key message is that the Labour party recognises Trafford’s potential. As a council we will prioritise economic growth, jobs and training opportunities. We will be guided by the principles of fairness, accountability and transparency.

We see the council as a way of harnessing economic growth, both at a strategic level, acknowledging our key economic assets, and by supporting enterprise with a ‘can do’ approach. We understand that growth is supported by accessible transport and working with colleagues in transport for Greater Manchester we will look at initiatives to make public transport more attractive and affordable.

Growth is also supported by education and training opportunities. We already have excellent colleges but need reach out further. A Labour Trafford will act as an enabler, working with business and promoting more training opportunities.

Health is key priority for us. We want to make Trafford an example of Andy Burnham’s whole-person care agenda, a local health service that adapts to the changing needs of the population. We recognise local government’s role as a key partner in the local health and social care economy.

While promising to be a more proactive, enabling council we also know that residents want us to protect the services they value. People value a clean, green and safe borough – we do too. We will work with local partners to tackle concerns about the local environment while also supporting our local police.

This is the most challenging period local government has ever faced. However, across the country there are shining examples of what can be done with a Labour council. If given a chance to govern, a Labour council will unlock Trafford’s potential this May.

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Tom Ross is campaign coordinator at Trafford Labour party

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Labour local government conference takes place this weekend. See here for more details

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Photo: Trafford Labour