A FORMER home secretary was the guest of honour as Labour politicians launched their local manifesto for Brighton and Hove.

Labour MP and successful author Alan Johnson was on hand to help launch his party’s local manifesto at Donatello restaurant in Brighton on Tuesday night.

Ending youth unemployment, building 500 new council homes and suspending and reviewing the traffic schemes started under the current Green administration are among the pledges the party has made in its contract with the city.

The group has also said that it will deliver new rights for tenants and proper regulation of landlords, tackle poverty and inequality through a Fairness Commission and ensure cleaner streets, better recycling and a reliable refuse collection service.

The launch came less than 90 minutes after the passing of the city council’s budget where the Labour proposed 1.99% council tax rise prevailed for a second year in a row.

Labour group leader Warren Morgan said: “Our city is crying out for change.

“We need a city council that works, with clear purpose and strong leadership to make sure that basic services residents rely on are delivered.

“The Greens have let the city down, and have proven they are not up to the job.

“No other party is offering the credible and sensible plan that we are setting out in our manifesto.”