People rightly want our political leaders – on all sides – to concentrate on minimising the damage to jobs, living standards and our savings from the banking crisis.

The impact of the downturn is starting to feel very real. House prices and the housing market have been taking the knock for some time and that’s affecting people.

I will take a short time out from being in Parliament when the baby is born but I’ll still be doing my constituency work – just with another baby in tow.

People in south Manchester overwhelming want to be able to recycle more than they currently can – especially cardboard and plastics – and want more frequent and accessible collections, particularly for those living in flats.

As the prospect of a Tory government gets nearer, many traditional Labour voters – some who switched away in recent times and many who stayed at home – seem more determined to prevent that happening.

It’s estimated that by 2030 there will be virtually no unskilled jobs in the British economy.

There’s a loss of faith in the banking system that for so long has been the backbone of prosperity and growth.

In the current climate motorists have a long list of issues from which to choose to raise on the doorstep. Policies aimed at reducing emissions – like the changes to Vehicle Excise Duty or here in Manchester the proposals for congestion charges – are not without controversy.

The cost of motoring is a massive issue at the moment, there’s no question. The price of petrol goes up every time you go to the petrol station.

I’m honoured to have been selected to be the Labour candidate for Manchester Central.