On Thursday 3 September, Hitchin was delighted to receive a visit from Labour Leader Keir Starmer, who was visiting the town as part of a specially organised Eastern Region day in Hitchin, Stevenage and Cambridge.

This action-packed day included TV interviews and many visits as well as some filming for a party broadcast. Despite the early hour of his arrival, Keir received extremely warm welcomes everywhere he went. Accompanying him on his marketplace walkabout were BID Manager Tom Hardy and bestselling local author Zoe Folbigg.

The walkabout was followed by a visit to Whitehill Junior school to discuss important pandemic and related safety issues with Head and staff and then participate in a fun – and serious – Q&A session with Year 6 students. Joining Keir on the school visit was Kate Green MP, who stayed on at Whitehill while Keir departed for Stevenage Football Club, followed by time with veterans at the War Memorial.

District Councillors Sharon Taylor and Judi Billing hosted a private lunch before Keir embarked on the Cambridge leg of his day. Commenting on the success of the visit, Judi said:

“This was massively successful and from what I observed, Keir was greeted with tremendous friendly enthusiasm by all. I had a brilliant time as well!”

David Josephs, Chair of Hitchin and Harpenden Labour Party said:

“Visits such as these can have an important impact in helping us to reach beyond what might be seen as Labour’s traditional boundaries. In this sense, Mr Starmer’s visit was a wonderful success. I’d like to extend huge thanks to all who organised this visit.”