“I WILL work hard to get the best for our city.”

Those are the words of the fourth candidate to throw her hat into the ring to succeed Southampton MP John Denham.

Pat Evemy is the latest person to join the race to become Labour’s candidate for the Itchen constituency at the next general election.

A former city councillor, she has lived in Southampton since 1979 and has been a member of the Labour party since 1982.

The 55-year-old says her work for the Church Urban Fund, which supports the country’s poorest people, has prepared her well for the job of tackling poverty in her home city.

“I see poverty as being as much of an issue here as it is in the north, although it does not get as much attention.”

One of her other priorities if elected would be to boost the city’s economy by supporting local businesses and attracting outward investment.

Mrs Evemy, who has previously represented the city’s Bargate ward on the council, added: “I know the Labour party – it’s in my blood.

“So I think I would be a good Labour candidate, but also one who is passionate about the community and who knows what works here.”