Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, writes exclusively to BFP readers backing Natasa Pantelic, the party's candidate for the upcoming Chesham and Amersham by-election:

The Labour Party has a famous link to Chesham and Amersham; the father of the NHS, Nye Bevan, lived at Asheridge Farm just outside Chesham from 1954 until he passed away in 1960. Bevan Hill is named after him.

Just like Nye’s transformative vision for the country through a National Health Service, under my leadership Labour is offering a people a chance for change.

It is in that spirit that Natasa Pantelic is your Labour candidate in next week’s by-election.

Natasa has a strong track record of delivering for local people and has ideas and drive to improve things for your communities.

She’s worked on the front line of local government throughout consecutive years of Conservative cuts. And she has been a primary school teacher, inspiring and supporting the next generation.

Natasa is committed to pushing forward the changes that you want to see in your towns and villages, and I am proud to support her.

Throughout the campaign Labour has spoken to thousands of residents and we keep hearing the same things; fix the roads and potholes, increase the frequency of local buses, and protect the environment from the impact of the HS2 development.

A vote for Natasa next Thursday, is a vote for someone who will get these issues fixed quickly, as your voice in Parliament.

In contrast, the Conservatives are running on empty. Nationally, they refuse to properly fund education to help our children catch-up.

And locally, the Conservative-run council has axed council-run school buses in favour of private provision, which will negatively impact local parents.

Labour is the only real alternative here in Chesham and Amersham. And next week is an opportunity to vote for change.

Natasa will be a fantastic MP for your area. Vote Labour this week.