I was shocked to read the Conservative Party’s complacent attitude to school places in Redbridge (Guardian, April 11).

Many parents across the borough will have received notification in the past week that their children haven’t received their first choice. There is a well-evidenced shortage of school places across London and this is a growing problem in Redbridge.

Instead of claiming there isn’t a problem, the Conservatives should be asking why we didn’t receive the £5million we were expecting from the government to address the shortfall in places. They should also ask why Michael Gove is wasting taxpayers’ money on new Free Schools in the North of England for ideological reasons where they are not needed.

Redbridge Labour councillors have supported the expansion of school places during the past four years and, if we are elected in May, we have pledged to expand them further. But we will also demand that the government stops wasting money elsewhere and starts prioritising Redbridge. Residents who are currently commuting long distances on the school run expect and deserve nothing less.

Wes Streeting, Labour parliamentary candidate for Ilford North and deputy leader, Redbridge Labour group