LABOUR supporters said a farewell to retiring MP Gerry Sutcliffe at a rally to start the campaign of his would-be successor.

Party activists in Bradford South gathered at St Winifred’s Church Hall in Wibsey to greet hear from Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Bradford South Judith Cummins, currently a councillor in Leeds.

The special guest speaker was Tom Watson MP, deputy chairman of the Labour Party.

Mr Sutcliffe said: “I have worked with Judith for nearly 20 years and seen first hand what a great fighter she is for working people.”

“Judith will be a real champion for Bradford South.”

Cllr Cummins said: “I have enormous pride and belief in Bradford South. I am determined to deliver on Labour’s promises here in the place where I had my first family home and where my children were born.”

She added: “As a working wife and mother I know and share the challenges that hardworking ordinary families face. Under the Conservatives we’re all having to fight hard just to stay afloat.”