In my previous column following the general election, the result of which was truly devastating for me, I pledged to work hard to unite the country.

I would now like to explain why I am campaigning to be deputy leader of the Labour Party to do just that and to implement a comprehensive plan to ensure Labour wins again.I will help build community organising, which will be embedded in the community. We will be campaigning in communities across the country more than ever on issues that matter to residents, rebuilding trust as we rebuild our party.

And as deputy leader I will use the platform to continue to champion Brent and communities just like ours. I know just how damaging another five years of this cruel Tory government will be. I will fight for the values that we hold dear such as equality and diversity, and I will hold this government to account every step of the way in the years to come, whether it is on Brexit, funding for our local communities, the hostile environment and more.

Having held positions of responsibility under two Labour prime ministers and having proudly served in Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet, I have demonstrated my ability to work constructively with any leader. But I have also maintained my own principles such as when I voted against the cruel Welfare Bill.

I am so grateful for the support I have already received from residents. I believe I am best placed to unite Labour and put us back on the path to government, so we can build a fairer society.