Labour face a tough battle to gain ground in Essex after claiming just one seat at the last election in 2009.
County council election candidates are pointing to the national records of the coalition parties as evidence that Labour poses a real alternative.
Galleywood parish councillor Richard Hyland, Labour's campaign manager and Great Baddow candidate, said education and skills were among its priorities:
Chelmsford North candidate Irene Ferguson also outlined her pledges:
