‘Choosing to start a family was probably one of the biggest and scariest decisions that I have ever had to make. We all have our doubts about our ability to be a good parent, about whether we can adequately provide for our children. Me and my husband just wanted to provide the very best for our kids.

Sometimes we think that government decisions don’t really impact our daily lives – but trust me, they do. It wasn’t until raising a family that I realised that Labour priorities were so in tune with my own – wanting to provide the best start in life for my children.’

Raising kids is an expensive business, not that I have any regrets in doing it, but the nappies, food, clothes, new toys, it all adds up. Labour’s Child Tax Credit has helped us raise our family– it has boosted our family income and that little bit extra really does go a long way.

Going back to work is a hard decision for any new parent – but the support that is on offer from Labour’s Sure Start Children’s centres has proved invaluable. Having a local centre where I could access information on my baby’s health, which provided good and safe childcare and the all important family support when I needed it is truly remarkable. Now little Jimmy has gone to school and I’m glad to see the support doesn’t stop there. His school is now offering ‘wrap – around childcare,’ so that we can drop him off earlier or pick him up later if we need to. This is great, it means I can work a couple of days a week and not have to worry about the costs of childcare or leaving him with strangers. He is with his friends and teachers – so I know he’s being looked after.

I just want the very best for me and my family and I can see how Labour has made a real difference to my life’