THE Labour candidate for Old Bexley and Sidcup assured residents he will ‘fight all levels of government’ to get investment in councils and police if he wins the by-election on Thursday.

Currently councillor for the Belvedere ward on Bexley council, Daniel Francis was asked by News Shopper what the major issues are and how he would tackle them.

He said the council savings have affected staff numbers with 16 per cent being made redundant.

He said: "That’s had a real impact on services, seeing the affect, we can’t fill our lollipop crossing patrols, library services, grass cutting services and on top of it all, the bin strike this year.”

Cllr Francis said that during the last 11 years, cuts to police funding and halving of safety neighbourhood teams occurred.

He added: “ I’d aim to absolutely be a strong voice for Old Bexley and Sidcup to fight at all levels of government to try and ensure some of that reinvestment in front line services.”

Cllr Francis had also criticised the Conservative candidate, Louie French, for initially refusing to rule out continuing his current job even if selected as MP.

Cllr French previously told News Shopper that he would continue in his role at a financial services firm, but later said he would stop working in that role.

News Shopper asked Cllr Francis, if he was to be elected on Thursday (December 2) will he step down from his current role as councillor.

He said: “I would be a full time member of parliament. I’ve been critical of people that don’t see this as a full-time job."

READ MORE: Mother of murdered sisters calls for Cressida Dick to ‘go’

Cllr Francis was elected to represent Belvedere Ward in September 2000. After a four year break from 2010 to 2014, he continued.

The by election was triggered following the death of James Brokenshire, who died last month.