This article is written by Warren Morgan, John Ferrett and Jonathan Hawkes

Throughout this long leadership contest only one candidate has consistently shown an understanding of Labour’s Southern problem – and charted a course for how we can turn things around. That’s why – as Labour leaders in the South – we’re backing Liz Kendall to be Labour’s next Prime Minister.

All too often our party has acted as if the problems our country faces are not felt in the South. But we know five years of a Tory-led government has meant more inequality, more injustice and less opportunity for our young people. We see the impact of a Tory government in our communities each and every day. That’s why Labour has to win in 2020.

Liz has spelled out a winning strategy, including devolving power away from Westminster, because only by putting our communities at the heart of everything we do will we regain the trust of the British people.

We’re excited about the radical plan for change Liz has set out:

Sharing power with people – Liz wants a country where power lies with all the people, not just a few in Westminster taking decisions for us all. Liz will give workers a stake and a say in the companies they work for. She’d scrap the awful work programme, letting our council and local communities build a replacement designed around the community’s needs.

Ending the inequalities that set in at birth – The Tories have slashed inheritance tax to help a wealthy few. Liz would spend that money on spreading opportunity through a revolution in early years care.

Eliminating low pay – Liz would drive up wages by giving greater powers to the Low Pay Commission – building a real living wage society. She’d give Sussex’s public service workers the decent pay rise they deserve.

Build a more caring society – Liz believes our carers should never be on poverty pay, and our loved ones should be cared for by someone they can get to know and trust

A future of hope for our young people – Liz will take on the tremendous challenge of climate change and help Britain become a world leader in green energy. She’ll oppose George Osborne’s abolition of the student grant so anyone who has earned the chance to go to University gets the chance to study. She’ll ensure that all our young people have the skills, networks, chances and choices to get the jobs of the future.

We know that Liz Kendall is the candidate the Tories fear, Labour’s best chance of winning the next election – and our best chance of putting our values into action. She has our support – and we hope Labour members across the South will back her too.

Warren Morgan is Leader of Brighton Councill, John Ferrett is Labour group leader in Portsmouth and Jonathan Hawkes is Labour group leader in Dartford