Labour's campaign bus in Basingstoke to support Luke Murphy

The bus, decorated with the word 'Change', had shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson on board.

There was a big group of Labour members, including Luke Murphy and North East Hampshire candidate Bradley Phillips and North West Hampshire candidate Andy Fitchet, at Oakridge Hall for All to welcome the bus.

Speaking to the Gazette at the gathering, Ms Phillipson said Luke Murphy would be "a strong and powerful advocate" for local children and families.

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson with Basingstoke Labour candidate Luke Murphy address the supporters in front of a campaign bus (Image: Newsquest)

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She added: "As education secretary of the Labour government, I will work with Luke for the very best for the families around here and that would involve universal free breakfast clubs in all of our primary schools; more teachers in those areas, particularly where we've seen big shortages like maths and science; more mental health support in our schools, which is a really big worry for families right across the country; and making sure that all of our children get a great start with education."

Both Ms Phillipson and Mr Murphy said that Labour aims to improve educational standards in all schools in Basingstoke.

"Ultimately, that's the outcome that everyone wants," Mr Murphy said.

"Every school in Basingstoke should be an outstanding school. And that's the outcome we’re striving for.”

Ms Phillipson expressed support for the proposal of a new university in Basingstoke.

“It would be fantastic for Basingstoke to secure a university, and that would involve working with other local universities in delivering that," she said.

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"I do think there is also a big role that our FE (further education) colleges can play in working with universities to look to deliver more university-level courses in towns like Basingstoke. And I know that BCoT does fantastic work in providing high-quality training, communities, and that's something that a Labour Government is committed to expanding.”

Mr Murphy also addressed the gathering, thanking the supporters and called for continued efforts in the final days leading up to the election on July 4. 

Ms Phillipson warned against complacency, urging continued efforts to prevent another Conservative government, which she argued would have detrimental effects on the country.