Some of you might have known this for a little while, but today I officially launch my bid to become Labour’s parliamentary candidate for the Derby North constituency in the East Midlands. I have strong family connections to the area – in fact the whole of my mum’s family comes from there and goes back generations in the city. I myself lived for a period just a few miles from the city.

I want to get into politics because I still believe in the power of Parliament & government to make a difference in people’s lives. My life hasn’t been the easiest, but I have seen first-hand the difference the Labour Government has made to millions in this country. Derby North will be a bell-weather seat at the next general election: it is in fact the seat that David Cameron will need to take to have an outright majority. I want to bring my relative youth, my energy and vigour, fresh ideas and innovative online campaigning experience to the table in Derby North to ensure that we don’t give Cameron the win he so sorely wants.

This week I will meet Labour members in the constituency, and my letter to members is in the post. I have also launched my website at http://www.lukeforderby.co.uk, where you can find out more about me and get my contact details, as well as follow the campaign as it happens.

This is an exciting time for me, and I hope to at least add something valuable to the debate on who replaces the long-serving Labour MP, Bob Laxton.