"The failure of state education in so many white working class areas is utterly unacceptable. Not to ..." — Wes Streeting

On housing, education and skills, health and social care, transport and economic development, local government is better placed to make decisions in the interests of local communities.

When I was at a tough inner-city school, drama gave me a friendship group. It's been so core to who I am and given me such confidence later in life.

One of the privileges of my adult life has been meeting pioneers of LGBT equality, particularly Waheed Alli, Michael Cashman and Ian McKellen.

I was born in Tower Hamlets in London Hospital, Mile End. I grew up in Stepney on a council estate and lived with my mum and only saw my dad on weekends.