Shadow Housing Secretary and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Angela Rayner came to Matson in Gloucester yesterday (Tuesday) to visit the new build Winnycroft Housing Development.

In an event held alongside prospective Labour candidate for the city, Alex McIntyre, the unannounced visit saw Ms Rayner set out how nearly 4,500 people are living in cramped conditions across the city, while she also talked about her vision for the next Labour government to deliver the biggest boost to affordable, social and council housing for a generation.

A spokesman said: "Gloucester is a target seat for Labour in 2024, and the visit reflects Labour's priorities for a mission-driven government, including getting Britain building, getting the NHS back on its feet, and reducing energy bills through clean energy investment."

Mr McIntyre added: "We spoke to first time buyers and local apprentices about the importance of secure homes and quality local jobs and training."

A Labour government would get Britain building again, he said, while helping young people across Gloucester achieve the dream of home ownership.

"I discussed with Angela the brilliant potential there is in Gloucester if only we had a Labour government committed to reforming the planning system, delivering the infrastructure needed to support communities and creating skilled jobs in our city."

Punchline-Gloucester.com editor Mark Owen said: "We are disappointed to be handed a post-event summary of this event and have not had an opportunity to talk to Ms Rayner as a significant visitor to our city. I've interviewed four Prime Ministers and countless ministers in recent years, including two recent meetings with Ed Davey, the Leader of the Lib Dems. I admire Angela Rayner, but this was a wrong call: for the sake of accountability and democracy, local media has to be given a fair crack of the whip. Access to all key figures across the political spectrum, when they have something relevant to say for business in Gloucestershire, is crucial. That didn't happen here and the optics, intended or not, appear stage-managed."