LABOUR called on key workers today to stand as councillors and be “at the heart of decision-making” ahead of next year’s local elections.

Party deputy leader and chair Angela Rayner worked as a home carer in Stockport and represented public-service workers as a trade-union rep before becoming a Labour MP and frontbencher.

She has called on key workers to get stuck into politics to assist in the rebuilding of communities after the coronavirus crisis.

Ms Rayner listed NHS and social workers, bus drivers, postal workers, delivery drivers, shop workers and “so many others” who have “made sure we have all been cared for, fed and connected during this pandemic.”

She said: “The last few months have proven beyond all doubt that it is the unsung, underpaid and undervalued workers who are the backbones of our communities — the people that our economy and our country cannot function without.”

Ms Rayner will be leading a series of events and launching a programme of support in partnership with unions and the Local Government Association Labour Group to identify and support key workers who want to run for office next May.

The scheme will also support key workers who want to stand in subsequent local elections and the next general election.

She said: “Our key worker heroes have been on the front line working round the clock to get us through this crisis.

“They have risen to the challenge during this pandemic, putting their lives on the line to keep our country going and make sure we are all cared for, fed and connected.

“Now we need them to help lead the recovery from this crisis and rebuild our communities and our country in the months and years ahead.”