A strong opposition is important, whether at a local council or in central government. Here in South Suffolk, the Labour Party has been in clear second place to the Tories for the last three general elections and although still some way behind, there have been times in the past where it has been a close election. In 1997 and 2001 for example, it was all to play for. So how does the Labour Party become competitive again in South Suffolk? There are no simple answers. In truth, it relies, in part, on the Conservative party failing to deliver as all governments eventually do.

At that moment, it is vital that the Labour Party has a credible alternative that offers people a government in waiting.

The last two manifestos have been hugely popular with younger people but the big issue, Brexit, has dominated the campaign trail. But hopefully at the next election that issue won't be as relevant and other issues- housing , health and education- can take priority. Areas the Labour Party have traditionally polled high on.

Whoever the next leader is needs to create a vision that reaches beyond the division within the country and looks forward. The Boris bubble will inevitably burst and the incompetence of the bumbling egomaniac will become evident to all. It is important that voters feel comfortable enough to change their vote rather than "stick with the devil you know."

The front runner in the leadership contest, Keir Starmer, has a distinguished career in law having been head of the Crown Prosecution Service. Rebecca Long-Bailey, his main rival, could become the first female leader of the party and is seen as the more radical choice. And lastly, Lisa Nandy, a Corbyn critic, is the outsider. If she did win, it would be a surprise to most.

The South Suffolk Labour Party nominated Keir Starmer for leader as they believe he is the most likely to appeal to a wider audience and return the Labour Party to power.

The South Suffolk Labour Party also nominated Dawn Butler for deputy leader.