Meet Olivia Bailey, Labour candidate for the Reading West MP seat

Aged 37, she lives with her young family in Tilehurst, and was born at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Growing up, her Dad was a  Reading policeman and her Mum was a local teacher.

In the run-up to the general election, the Local Democracy Reporting Service in Berkshire has asked each candidate the same questions so you can get the measure of them.

What are the three biggest challenges facing the people of Reading West and Mid Berkshire? 

"1. Tackling the cost of living crisis. This is the first parliament on record where living standards will be worse at the end of it than they were at the start. Stabilising our economy, and getting it properly growing again so that we can get out of this cost of living crisis is the most important task for the next government. Labour's manifesto also has an iron-clad commitment that we will not raise any taxes on working people like income tax, national insurance or VAT.

"2. Cracking down on anti-social behaviour. You never see a police officer anymore, and nuisance illegal bikes and drug dealing are blighting many of our areas. That’s why I will campaign for a police counter locally and get more police on patrol with new powers to tackle antisocial behaviour.

"3. Clearing the NHS backlog. So many people have told me they haven’t been able to see a GP or a dentist when they need one and many of us are on a really long NHS waiting list. With a Labour government in Westminster, I'm pledging more appointments in our local NHS, an end to the 8am scramble for a GP appointment and to bring back the family doctor. I have also secured a commitment from Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves to build a new Royal Berkshire Hospital."

What causes will you be championing if elected as an MP?

"My first job as the local MP will be to be a hard-working local champion who always has the back of local people. I will open a shop-front office and I promise I'll always be there to help you and your family.

"I'll also fight for our local public services which are struggling after 14 years of Conservative chaos and decline. I'll deliver a new hospital and thousands more appointments in our local NHS and NHS dentistry. I'll also back our local schools with more specialist teachers, a mental health professional for every school and free breakfast clubs for every local primary age child. As a Mum I also understand how difficult it can be to get childcare places, which is why I'll also fight for more childcare provision locally.

"I will also fight for our local environment and in particular clean up our rivers and streams from this vile sewage. I'll campaign for failing water companies to be put in special measures until they clean up their filth and I'll also campaign for legal protections for our precious chalk streams. I'll also protect our local green spaces and back local campaigns like Keep Kentwood Green.

"I am standing in this election because I think our wonderful community deserves so much better than another five years of the Conservatives. This election is a chance to turn the page, stabilise our economy and give us all hope again for the future of our great country. Vote for change on July 4th, vote Labour."

Quick fire round:

What car do you drive?

"We luckily got a hand me down old Mercedes from my father-in-law but I would love to buy an affordable electric vehicle when we can."

What's your favourite film or TV show?

"Notting Hill is my favourite film, I never get tired of watching it!"

When was the last time you cried?

"A few weeks ago I spoke to a resident who lost her husband during the pandemic and wasn’t able to see him before he died.

"Her recounting the story was quite difficult and we both got a bit emotional."

What's your stance on drug legalisation, and have you ever taken any drugs in your past?

"I think drugs blight lives and communities and I strongly oppose legalisation. I’ve seen first hand the devastating effects drug use can have and I don’t think it is something to trivialise."