PEOPLE in Bury were yesterday called on to be the voice of the new Labour Party.

Sadiq Khan, shadow justice secretary staged Greater Manchester’s first New Politics, Fresh Ideas in the Radcliffe Civic Suite.

The initiative, which sees opposition MPs travel the country, is part of the Labour Party’s comeback bid following its defeat at the General Election.

Mr Khan said: “This initiative is about listening to the people of Radcliffe and Bury and what they want, what they are worried about and how to improve the future.”

Mr Khan fielded questions from residents on topics that concerned them, with a view to adopting policies around those issues.

He said: “It is not about having people agree with us and what we want to hear. Some of the best ideas for policies come from the people.”

Mr Khan said the feedback he and his fellow Labour Party members received from the public would help them challenge the Coalition Government.

The Shadow Justice Secretary realised people were concerned about the economy and the lack of jobs for young people.

“We are not going to just listen and then throw away our notes. They will be used to hold the Government to account. We want to hear from people who have good ideas,” he said.