The conversations we had supported what the TUC has been saying throughout this general election, that working people have had enough and that this election is the most important in a generation for working families.

The level of evidence supporting the argument that the economy is not working for the majority of families is striking, especially here in the North East.

The average worker in the region is £6,400 worse off today than they would be had wages kept pace with inflation since 2008.

Councils in the North East are spending £750m a year less on key services than in 2010, the biggest reduction of any UK region.

Within Hartlepool, 28% of workers are earning below the Living Wage foundation rates, this is above the regional average of 22%.

And 32% of children in Middlesbrough are living in poverty, rising to 39% after housing costs, placing it among the 20 worst local authorities for child poverty.

Political parties need to put working families first.

Whatever our background, we all deserve decent jobs and public services so we can take proper care of our families.

But the North East has borne the brunt of a decade of Conservative cuts.

Public services are crumbling. Wages have stood still, but the cost of living keeps going up. And too often the only jobs available are insecure and low paid.

We want better.

Our politicians must get wages rising faster for everyone, not just those in the boardroom. They must ban zero-hours contracts and guarantee everyone security at work. And they must rebuild our NHS and public services rather than dish out tax breaks for the rich.

Let’s use our votes to fix Britain and make politicians put working-class families first.