Northumberland Labour says, if elected, it will work tirelessly to reverse the damage the Tory government has done to NHS waiting lists.

Deputy leader Liz Simpson said: “During Labour’s time in power from 1997 to 2010, waiting times and lists were the shortest they have ever been.

“The NHS in the North in particular was achieving all the targets set by the national government, meaning people in our county were seen very quickly in accident and emergency, if they had suspected cancer and they would wait only 18 weeks from seeing their doctor to any necessary operation or hospital treatment.

“It’s throughly depressing to see how this government has chosen not to keep up these standards which were so hard fought and won by the amazing people working in our NHS.

“Labour knows that being seen quickly is important to people and this is where we’ll be putting our efforts. We work in the interests of people; that’s what matters.”