Labour has launched its election campaign in a key target seat in Worthing.

Tom Rutland is hoping to become East Worthing and Shoreham’s first Labour MP at the next general election.

At a campaign launch over the weekend, Mr Rutland was joined by dozens of local party activists along with shadow science secretary and MP for neighbouring Hove Peter Kyle.

Mr Kyle expressed confidence that Mr Rutland would run the kind of campaign needed to turn East Worthing and Shoreham red.

Mr Rutland, who lives in Lancing, said: “Voters keep telling me that nothing is working - and they’re right.

“Our community here in East Worthing and Shoreham desperately needs change.

“Whether it’s the cost of living, the painful waits to see a doctor, or the sewage being pumped into our sea, the Conservatives have failed.

“But it doesn’t have to be this way. This year, we can vote to elect a Labour government that will give Britain its future back.”

Mr Kyle said: “Tom will be a fantastic MP for East Worthing and Shoreham.

“He is principled, hard-working and will stand up for local residents in Westminster.

“The road to a Labour government will run through this community for the first time in history and I’m excited to support Tom’s campaign in the months ahead.”