Why I'm standing
It is a scandal that an area like this was lost to the Conservatives at the last election.
Too many families in West Bromwich East are struggling, cutting back on heating and food. We’ve lost 10% of all Black Country GPs in the last few years. A third of local children are growing up in poverty.
We deserve better than this.
We need a new Parliamentary candidate with energy, a local track record and the determination to win the seat back and make a difference.
I’ve dedicated my working life to the Labour Party because I believe every child should go to bed thinking about achieving their dreams – not thinking about how hungry and cold they are.
I know how to get things done and I’ve already got a local track record of making a difference in West Bromwich East.
Last summer I successfully fought to stop children’s football pitches in Friar Park from being closed. In the last few months I led the successful campaign to save the 45 bus that so many people in Charlemont and the Yew Tree rely on.
I’m proud to have worked locally for our last MP, Tom Watson. I’ve also worked for the Labour Mayor in London on important issues like giving children the best start in life, affordable transport, building more high quality council housing and creating jobs and opportunities for all.
We need a candidate who will re-energise our local party and run a relentless campaign to beat the Tories. I’ve been an organiser for Labour in marginal constituencies before and I will build the team we need to win and then fight to get the best for local people for years to come.
In my spare time I’m a runner. You can find me most Saturday mornings volunteering or running at the Sandwell Valley parkrun – even in the freezing cold!
I’m grateful to have support from local Labour members to be our candidate. I hope you’ll consider supporting me too.
I have the energy, local track record and determination we need to win back West Bromwich East for Labour.
Supporters
I'm proud to be backed by:
.png)
“I’ve lived here all my life and I love this area. Sarah is one of us and she has the experience and understanding to get the best for our community for a long time to come.”
Simon Hackett, Former West Bromwich East CLP Chair and Friar Park Councillor
“I worked as a bus driver in West Bromwich for many years and was a school governor. My family believe strongly in public service which is why we are supporting Sarah. We welcomed Sarah to celebrate Eid with us last year. She will be a wonderful MP.”
Mr Sharazi, Retired bus driver & Greets Green member
"I am a trustee of Gurdwara Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji and have owned an accountancy business in West Bromwich High Street for forty years. I have been really impressed with Sarah - she works hard, is thoughtful and genuinely committed to supporting all parts of our community. I look forward to seeing her elected as our next Labour MP."
Mr Gurdial Randhawa, Gurdwara Guru Har Rai Sahib and member in West Bromwich Central ward
"I've lived in and around West Bromwich all my life and known Sarah for many years. She is dedicated to this area and wants the best for all residents. We need an enthusiastic MP who can get stuff done, someone who listens to residents and takes up their issues. That's why I'm backing Sarah."
Sarah James, Vice Chair West Bromwich East CLP and TULO officer
.jpeg)
“When we were about to lose our 45 bus Sarah said: no way. Sarah organised the petition and got articles in the Express and Star. Because of her efforts leading the community fight, our bus has been saved. We need a fighter like Sarah as our MP and I know she'll be there for us for years to come."
Stephanie Thomas, Local nurse and health visitor, member in Charlemont with Grove Vale
“Representing West Bromwich East is a special privilege and a huge responsibility, and Nicola Richards and her party have let local people down time and time again. If you select Sarah as our candidate I know she'll give it everything she's got - and she'll win."
Tom Watson, former MP for West Bromwich East
“Sarah's a very active trade unionist, dedicated to fighting for fair pay and conditions for workers everywhere. With ordinary people across our community struggling we need her in our corner now more than ever."
Amanda Gearing, Senior Trade Union Organiser, GMB West Midlands, member in Newton ward
"The country is facing so many problems. Public services - especially our precious NHS - are at breaking point, and trust in politics and politicians is at an all time low. We're backing Sarah as our next MP because she'll work hard to rebuild that trust and to protect the things we all hold dear."
Sian and Ifan Owen, members in Newton ward
"As one of the organisers of the Stone Cross St George's day parade and West Bromwich poppy appeal, I know Sarah shares the same old-fashioned community and neighbourhood values as me. As such, I know she will make a fantastic MP and will look after the interests and needs of the people of West Bromwich."
Snarka Whitehouse, member in Hateley Heath ward
“Sarah has been coming to my pub for years. I know she’ll be a champion for small businesses and investment in our area. I’m backing her all the way to be our Labour MP.”
Satnam Purewal, owner of the Red Lion pub in West Bromwich
“When you ask Sarah for help, she won’t rest until the job is done. I know this first hand. She has all my support to be our next MP.”
Manny Abbeyquaye, founder of Centre Spot sports charity and member in West Bromwich
“I remember the days when Betty Boothroyd was our MP in West Bromwich. We need someone with similar spirit to take on the Tories and fight for local people and businesses. That’s why I’m backing Sarah to be our MP.”
Dr Ajit Kumar, owner JK Building Supplies, West Bromwich and member in West Bromwich Central ward
My priorities
West Bromwich East has never needed a Labour MP and Labour Government more. Here are my top priorities for our community.
1 Demanding better for our young people
It’s not right that half of children in Sandwell leave school without the qualifications to go on to an apprenticeship, college or university. The recent census showed that Sandwell is the borough with the highest proportion of people with no qualifications at all in the whole country. We can change that.
I will work with the council, local youth services, schools – and hopefully the next Labour government – to demand better for our young people.
3 Fighting for our NHS
Despite brilliant and dedicated staff, the NHS is on its knees after 13 years of Tory government. The Black Country has lost 10% of our GPs, which makes it really hard to get an appointment and Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital Trust has over 70,000 people on the waiting list for operations. I’ll fight for the investment our health service needs to deliver the care people deserve.
2 Creating jobs and investment
The Black Country was once the engine of Britain – people came from Punjab, Pakistan, the Caribbean and all over the world to work in the famous foundries and factories. In recent years we have seen the local high streets decline and young people leaving for jobs elsewhere.
Now we need energy and determination to bring new life, jobs and investment to our local high streets and industries.
4 Helping people with the cost of living
The stories local families from Hateley Heath to the Yew Tree estate have told me are heartbreaking.
I’ll work with all possible partners – including the council, faith groups and local businesses – to make sure local people can live with dignity and security in tough times.
News
See what I've been up to in West Bromwich recently
