Childcare shortage is laid bare as no constituencies in England have enough spaces for all under-fives

The shortage of childcare provision is laid bare today by figures showing no constituencies in England have enough spaces for all under-fives.

Despite a Government promise to expand free childcare, research shared with the Mail highlights the scarcity of providers in most areas. In only 32 constituencies out of 533 did early years centres have more than 50 spaces for every 100 under-fives, according to data from the House of Commons library.

Many marginal Tory seats have acute shortages – such as Stoke-on-Trent North, which in August had just 16 places per 100 children.

Labour education spokesman Bridget Phillipson accused the Tories of 'pouring petrol on to the fire' by promising more free childcare but not providing enough spaces.

In an exclusive interview with the Mail, she also accused Conservative MPs of wanting to 'take women back decades' by failing to deliver.

Ms Phillipson warned that the 'old-fashioned' views of the so-called 'New Conservatives' could deny women crucial economic freedom.

She insisted the Government had an important role in giving choices to parents by delivering free childcare.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has unveiled a massive expansion of free childcare to include children aged from nine months to four years in the 30 hours a week of paid-for care from September 2025.

It will be rolled out in stages, with working parents of two-year-olds able to access 15 hours a week from April.