We need to break the class ceiling in education. We need more investment in vocational education and an education system based on social value not profit.

A hospital cannot run without doctors, but it cannot function without cleaners. Our local agriculture businesses need soil scientists, but they also need fruit pickers. All jobs are and should be seen as valuable. Austerity policies impacting local authorities, the post-Brexit immigration policy and limited investment in UK vocational skills are all behind the severe skill shortages we see in so many sectors.

I am passionate about education, from early years provision to the choice of a good-quality vocational or university qualification. As a member of the Children and Young People Committee in Cambridgeshire County Council, I have advocated for our maintained nursery schools and scrutinised many areas of our educational offer.

I also have experience of chairing the Sub-Regional ESOL Local Partnership of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority. Skills is one of the areas under the Mayor’s remit and I have been advocating for vocational education offers, such as agriculture related skills as well as combining English language skills with other functional skills to boost employability.