Penarth's Labour MP Stephen Doughty has been reflecting on his party's conference held in Liverpool over the past week, during which time Labour have soared int a huge lead in the polls..

A poll for the Times has put them 33 points ahead of the government, and that, believes Mr Doughty is a reflection of his party's standing as the Conservatives have taken the country to the brink of a fianncial precipice.

Mr Doughty says Labour Leader Keir Starmer and Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves used the conference to set out a 'bold vision' for a greener, fairer Britain, with responsible and stable economic and financial leadership, and with Britain as a force for good in the world.

"What a contrast with the Tories", says Mr Doughty. "The pound is falling to levels never seen, prices are up, the cost of the weekly food shop is up, but people's wages are not keeping up. On Friday the Chancellor had an opportunity to set out a serious response to the cost-of-living crisis. He failed.

"Instead, we had a tax cut for the wealthiest 1%, increased bankers' bonuses, and more than £50 billion piled onto the national debt every year because of their reckless decision to put all the costs onto borrowing, with inflation already high and interest rates rising.

"Why should Cardiff South and Penarth constituents pay for tax cuts for the wealthy? It's not what people voted for and it's putting our economy in danger – and the reaction from financial markets was clear and immediate. People across the country face a stark reality as we head into a winter of spiralling costs and real hardship.

"Labour will fight Conservative plans at every step. It's time for a government that is on your side, a Labour government. We are ready."