With the news that one million people are set to lose their votes, Jon Ashworth met with Jeremy Corbyn, Tom Watson and Gloria De Piero to discuss the “Do not lose your voice” campaign in Leicester South.

Gloria De Piero, Shadow Minister for Young People and Voter Registration, stated: “The Government’s decision to bring forward by twelve months the full implementation of Individual Electoral Registration will see the biggest disenfranchisement on our history.”

It is a legal requirement to be on the electoral register so people should complete their forms or register online, or they could be fined £80.

Jon visited Remploy which last year supported 22 of his constituents into sustainable employment, and supported over 150 disabled and disadvantaged people into employment.

Jon stated: “It was interesting meeting the staff and hearing about the work they are doing locally. Given the Government aim of reducing the number of disabled people that are unemployed, the work of Remploy is even more important today. I also met with some of the people Remploy are supporting to find work.”

In April 2015 Remploy left government ownership in a joint venture between MAXIMUS, a leading operator of government health and human service programmes in the United States, UK, Canada, Australia and Saudi Arabia, and Remploy employees who have a 30% stake in the company.

Remploy was established 70 years ago to provide training and employment after the Second World War for injured and disabled ex-servicemen and miners.

After launching last week’s Leicester’s Voter Registration Drive, “Do not lose your voice”, Jon Ashworth was out and about in Clarendon Park with Councillors Patrick Kitterick and Lynn Senior.

With the news that one million people are set to lose their votes, Jon Ashworth was out door knocking encouraging people, especially students and young people, to register to vote.

Jon stated: “With the new academic having just started it is important to remind students to register to vote. As well as not having a voice, students can face difficulties obtaining credit or securing a mobile phone contract or a loan if they are not registered to vote.”

Jon was joined by members of the congregation, the Project Manager, Ted Cassidy MBE, and Kally Barot form the Heritage Lottery Fund at St Peter’s Church to celebrate the award of Heritage Lottery Funds.

Jon is a Patron of the St Peter's Project that aims to repair the Grade II listed Church.

Jon stated: “It is great news that the St Peter’s Project has been awarded a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund so that work to uncover the extent of the repairs needed can be started and, importantly, to engage with the wider community.”

With the news that one million people are set to lose their votes, Jon Ashworth was outside the Town Hall with young people and Councillors to remind people to register to vote.

Along with an empty ballot box, Jon and the students had their mouths taped to demonstrate the loss of their voice and their lack of a vote.

Jon stated: “The Tories have rushed through changes to the electoral registration system and around one million are in danger of losing their right to vote. Next year there are elections for the Police and Crime Commissioner, and soon the country will have a big decision to make as to whether Britain stays in the EU.”

“People who aren’t on the register can have difficulties obtaining credit or securing a mobile phone contract, a loan or a mortgage.”

Jon visited Mecca Bingo at Freemans Common on Friday 2 October to take part in the charity cheque handover.

The Bingo Association, which represents 98% of all retail bingo clubs in the UK, has a charity partnership with Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Speaking before the visit, Jon said: “It is fantastic that the Bingo Association has a charity partnership with Variety. I’m delighted to take part in the cheque handover at my local bingo club which has been raising funds for Variety since the start of the year.”

Variety supports was one of the UK’s first charities to be founded especially for children and young people. It supports children and young people who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged.

It improves young people’s lives by providing practical help (such as Sunshine Coaches, wheelchairs and specialist equipment) and memorable childhood experiences.