Rachel, selected to stand in Leeds West for Labour on an All Women Shortlist, has outlined her support for the policy, as long as it is supported by the local party.

She has written an article in the Guardian today, which you can read here.

The article responds to David Cameron's suggestion that the Tories may follow Labour's lead with the policy in the future.

Rachel met with three local entrepreneurs last week – David from Elemental Fitness, Jonathan from The Fruit-Box and Gemma from Skillz Education, as well as West Leeds Enterprise Centre manager, Diana Holmes.

All three entrepreneurs are using the West Leeds Enterprise Centre to set up their own business and all believe that despite the recession they have the ideas, creativity and drive to build the businesses of the future. The Enterprise Centre, funded through government money, is providing practical and professional support for David, Jonathan and Gemma so that they can concentrate on getting their businesses up and running.

All three entrepreneurs will be featured in a short film on Monday 2nd November at 7:45pm on Channel Four’s ‘The Political Slot’, looking at the experiences of small businesses during the recession and how they feel about the future.

Gordon Brown came to Leeds on Thursday, and took the opportunity to speak to a large gathering of local supporters and community leaders.

Rachel organised a lunchtime event where the Prime Minister praised Yorkshire's Labour Party members for the campaign that was run against the BNP in Barnsley last week and took the opportunity to thank community leaders for their work in our area.

Gordon Brown emphasised the importance of fighting for Labour's core values of fairness and prosperity for all.

After speaking to the crowd, the Prime Minister chatted with parliamentary candidates and guests. Rachel said "It was a fantastic opportunity to introduce Gordon to people in Leeds West who are making a difference locally - including school governors, charity workers, community wardens and business people and so encouraging to hear the Prime Minister recognise the efforts that local people and party members are making."

It's not every day you get to meet with a super-star, but today Rachel had the pleasure of meeting Ronnie the Rhino, mascot for the great Leeds Rhinos rugby team.

It's a big week ahead for the Rhinos - next Saturday Leeds take on St Helen's in the Super League grand final at Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams. If Leeds triumph next week they'll be the first team ever to win three grand finals in a row. Come on the Rhinos. Come on the Rhinos.

See http://www.therhinos.co.uk/ for more info.