Labour’s shadow chief secretary to the treasury visited Redbridge on Saturday to canvass support for Greater London Assembly (GLA) candidate Ivana Bartoletti.

Highlighting International Women’s Day and the 60 days left to the GLA elections, Seema Malhotra MP said more women were needed in politics.

The group met at Barkingside Station to canvas support with Wes Streeting - MP for Ilford North - before stopping for lunch.

“We do much more than champion women here in the UK when we mark International Women’s Day,” she said.

“Ivana is a champion for women and every woman elected makes a difference to women’s lives.”

The MP added that she found it “embarrassing” that only 29 per cent of the House of Commons is made up of women.

Quoting American presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, the MP said: “Women’s rights are human rights and we are part of the human family and the progress of any part is progress for the whole.”

Mrs Bartoletti said women were integral in deciding what changes were needed in the years to come and it was important they worked together.

“International Women’s Day is a wonderful event,” she said.

“We can stop and think about how much we have achieved but there is a lot that women still have to do not just in this country but around the world.”

Outlining her objectives the GLA candidate said her priorities were to invest in young people and develop their skills so they can compete for the jobs that London can offer them.

She also plans to invest in services for younger families, make sure there are enough homes for people to live in and champion London in becoming a greener city.