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Definition of power trip

Examples of power trip in a sentence.

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“Power trip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power%20trip. Accessed 8 May. 2024.

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• Relationships

One Way to Deal With Someone on A Power Trip

Hint: many who throw their weight around don’t feel all that powerful..

Posted September 17, 2019 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

Sure, there are people out there who like to use power to control other people—that’s pretty much the definition of a power trip. But is your boss, coworker, ex-friend, or estranged relative really one of them?

Not necessarily.

Not everybody who seems to be on a power trip actually is. Even the most controlling, domineering person in your life may simply be… protecting herself.

Self-protection isn’t the only alternative explanation for an apparent power trip. But it’s one that’s often overlooked.

If you can spot self-protection in action, you’re more likely to respond effectively and even potentially help the person heal.

The Power of Self-Protection

Most of us, if we’ve been hurt badly enough in the past, will prioritize doing whatever it takes to stay emotionally and physically safe.

Some of the behaviors we use as a shield can easily be mistaken for something more aggressive. Here are just a few examples:

• Dictating the details of how things play out to make sure we don’t get hurt again
• Requiring lots of information upfront before we agree to do things
• Changing our minds after agreeing to something that makes us nervous
• Reducing or eliminating contact with people who feel dangerous

All of these behaviors can come across as power-tripping. But self-protection is not about enjoying power; it’s about trying to ensure safety.

Sometimes, self-protection requires us to remove ourselves from certain relationships. There are various ways of doing this, ranging from “ ghosting ” (disappearing without explanation) to having a respectful conversation in which we clearly state our needs and boundaries in a way that others can choose to act on, or not, with the understanding that we hope they’ll be able to do so.

Mostly, when we’re in self-defense mode, we’re not especially polite. We might come across as unreasonable, stubborn, or even aggressive.

Think about it: If you’re at a backyard barbecue, and your shorts catch fire, you’re going to make a beeline for the swimming pool without concern for whose Coke you knock over. While you’re dashing to the pool, your only thought is for your own safety.

Even if we don’t feel especially powerful, our self-protection can make us look like power-hungry control freaks.

Refusing to return someone’s phone call, from their point of view, is just rude. Even if the truth is we’re scared of what might happen if we talk to them.

Leaving relationships, or acting inconsistently within them because of our own ambivalence, can come across as a power trip because we’re controlling the contact schedule. Sometimes we’re available; other times, we’re not. We decide from moment to moment what we can tolerate.

To the person on the receiving end, we’re just messing with them.

How to Respond

If you’re on the other side, looking at someone who appears to be on a power trip, there are some questions you might consider. To your knowledge…

Has that person experienced physical harm, emotional pain, or deep disappointment in relationships?

How secure does he seem, in general? How’s his overall self-image ?

Is it possible that the “power trip” is really just a need for safety?

If the relationship is important to you, don’t skip over self-protection as a possible explanation for behavior that appears power-driven.

If it might be the case that the person is protecting himself, how can you help him feel safer, especially in the relationship you share?

Here are a few ways to provide safety for people who’ve been hurt and/or traumatized in relationships:

• Ask permission. Ask about timing, locations, activities, topics that are OK to discuss… anything that the person seems anxious to control. These are important to her, so let her decide what feels OK.
• Offer choices. Same as above, and let the person know you’re open to hearing her ideas and preferences. Respect her choices, as long as they don’t directly violate your personal boundaries.
• Don’t push. Fear of being dominated often goes hand in hand with concerns about safety. Never try to coerce someone who’s been traumatized into doing what you want them to do.
• Be patient. Intrusive self-protective behaviors stem from past harm, not malice. People need time, understanding, and acceptance in order to heal.

These behaviors represent the opposite of what most of us feel like doing when someone is throwing their weight around. It’s human nature to want to push back against anything that feels like an inappropriate power-grab.

So if the relationship is not that important to you, you may choose simply not to deal with someone who seems to be on a power trip.

But now that you know it could be something deeper, you can make an informed choice about your own response.

Tina Gilbertson, LPC, is the author of Reconnecting with Your Estranged Adult Child and Constructive Wallowing: How to Beat Bad Feelings By Letting Yourself Have Them . She hosts the Reconnection Club Podcast for parents of estranged adult children and offers consultation by distance.

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What Is a Power Trip? Exploring the Psychology, Signs, and Impact of Going on a Power Trip

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

The term “power trip” has become increasingly popular in recent years. But what exactly is a power trip? In its simplest form, a power trip is when someone seeks to gain control over others by using their power or authority. This can manifest itself in different ways, such as through manipulation, bullying, or intimidation. It’s important to understand what a power trip is and the potential consequences it can have on relationships and mental health.

Exploring the Psychology Behind Power Trips

When it comes to understanding the motivations behind power trips, there are a few psychological factors at play. According to Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at California State University, Los Angeles, “Power trips are rooted in insecurity, narcissism, and a need to feel powerful and in control.” 1 People who go on power trips may be trying to compensate for a sense of inadequacy or to make up for a lack of self-esteem. They may also be driven by a need to prove themselves or to be seen as superior.

Another factor that may contribute to power trips is an individual’s ego. Ego can cause people to overestimate their capabilities and underestimate the capabilities of others. This can lead them to take on more than they can handle and to act in a controlling manner. As psychologist Dr. Gail Saltz explains, “People who are prone to power trips often have a sense of entitlement, which means they believe they should get what they want without having to work for it.” 2 This can lead to unrealistic expectations and a lack of empathy for those around them.

Examining Common Examples of Power Trips

Power trips can occur in many different contexts, but some of the most common examples are in the workplace, social settings, and family relationships. In the workplace, a power trip might involve a supervisor or manager who uses their position to manipulate or intimidate others. This could include setting unreasonable demands or expectations, micromanaging employees, or withholding praise or recognition. In social settings, a power trip could involve someone who tries to dominate conversations or make decisions for the group without considering other people’s opinions. In family relationships, a power trip might involve a parent who attempts to control their children’s behavior or choices.

Recognizing the Signs of a Power Trip

It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a power trip so you can address the issue before it escalates. Some common signs to watch out for include:

• Controlling behavior: A person on a power trip may attempt to control or dictate the behavior of those around them.
• Aggressive or demanding language: They may use aggressive language or demand things from others.
• Unreasonable expectations: They may set unrealistic expectations or make unreasonable demands.

Discussing the Impact of Power Trips on Relationships

Power trips can have a profound impact on relationships, both personal and professional. People who go on power trips tend to create tension and conflict, which can strain relationships and lead to feelings of resentment. Additionally, power trips can damage self-esteem and lead to feelings of worthlessness. Research shows that power trips can even have long-term effects on mental health, such as depression and anxiety. 3 It’s important to recognize the impact power trips can have and take steps to address the issue.

Exploring Ways to Avoid Going on a Power Trip

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid going on a power trip. The first step is to understand your own motivations. Ask yourself why you want to exert control over others and consider whether there are healthier ways to meet your needs. It’s also important to practice empathy and compromise. Make sure to listen to the perspectives of others and be open to making concessions. Finally, it’s important to set clear boundaries. Let people know what you expect from them and don’t be afraid to say no if something doesn’t feel right.

In conclusion, it’s important to be aware of what a power trip is and the potential consequences it can have on relationships and mental health. Power trips are often driven by insecurity and ego and can manifest themselves in different ways. Recognizing the signs of a power trip is key to avoiding it and setting clear boundaries can help you maintain healthy relationships. By understanding the psychology behind power trips and taking steps to avoid them, you can ensure that you don’t fall into the trap of trying to control others.

1 Durvasula, R. (2019, October 23). What is a Power Trip? Verywell Mind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-power-trip-4157783

2 Saltz, G. (2018, December 21). 8 Signs Someone Is on a Power Trip. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-prime/201812/8-signs-someone-is-power-trip

3 Rudolph, K. D., & Hammen, C. (2002). Interpersonal stress and depression: Tests of transactional and diathesis-stress models. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 111(4), 602–614. doi: 10.1037/0021-843X.111.4.

(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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5 Signs You’re Power-Tripping and Why You Must Stop

• Edwin Ebreo
• 5 Signs You’re Power-Tripping and…

Since I started producing TikTok Videos, I have received messages from people seeking advice on how to deal with power-trippers in the workplace. Making an effort to communicate and clarify feelings and expectations is my go-to advice but I also say that if they are unwilling to change, and if you can’t ignore them, leave them. My concern with this advice is that whenever a victim of a power-tripper leaves, the power-tripper loses a chance to grow, hence this blog.

The modern workplace is a dynamic environment that demands adaptability, empathy, and mutual respect. However, not everyone adapts to this environment in the same way. One concerning trend is the presence of ‘power trippers’ in the workplace. Most of these people are bosses, but it is not limited to them. Power trippers can be found at any level within an organization – they could be your peers, team leaders, or even subordinates who exert undue influence over others. Here are five signs that you might be a power tripper and why it’s vital to change this behavior.

1.    Aggressive Communication and Shaming

Whether you’re a supervisor or a co-worker, using aggressive communication like yelling, interrupting, or using a condescending tone is a sign of power tripping. Similarly, shaming colleagues for mistakes publicly is a clear indication of this behavior. Such tactics create a hostile work environment and stifle open communication, which is particularly off-putting to collaborative-minded Millennials and Gen Z.

2.    Gaslighting and Manipulation

Making others question their judgment or reality is a manipulative tactic seen in power trippers. This behavior undermines confidence and trust within the team. Whether it’s a boss doubting a subordinate’s capabilities without cause or a colleague subtly undermining another’s efforts, gaslighting is a toxic trait in any workplace dynamic.

3.    Excessive Control

A classic trait of a power tripper is the need to control situations and people, often without any formal authority. This can manifest in dictating work methods, being inflexible to others’ ideas, or hoarding control over resources or processes. Such behavior not only stifles innovation and creativity but also creates resentment among colleagues.

4.    Double Standards

Expecting flexibility, hard work, or commitment from others while not demonstrating the same is a sign of a power tripper. This can include demanding others to meet high standards while shirking one’s responsibilities or expecting special treatment due to seniority or perceived authority.

5.    Misusing Seniority or Functional Authority

In some cases, individuals misuse their seniority, experience, or control over certain processes to push their weight around. This is a form of power tripping that goes beyond just hierarchical power; it’s about using any leverage one has to dominate or control others in the workplace.

Understanding Why Some People Act This Way

Recognizing the reasons behind power-tripping behaviors is crucial for addressing and rectifying them. Often, these behaviors stem from a deeper, underlying cause rather than a deliberate choice to be harsh or authoritarian. Here are some key factors contributing to such leadership styles:

Lack of Understanding of the Management and Leadership Role: Some bosses may exhibit power-tripping behaviors due to a fundamental misunderstanding of what it means to be a leader or manager. They might equate leadership with control and authority, rather than guidance, support, and empowerment. This misconception can lead to a leadership style that prioritizes command and control over collaboration and mentorship. Educational gaps in leadership training or a lack of role models in their career development could contribute to this misunderstanding.

Insecurity: In many cases, power-tripping can be a manifestation of one’s insecurities. When a boss feels threatened by their subordinates’ skills or achievements, they might resort to aggressive or controlling behavior to assert their authority. This insecurity can stem from a fear of being overshadowed, replaced, or deemed inadequate. It’s a defensive mechanism to protect their status and position within the organization.

Lack of Empathy: Empathy is a critical trait for effective leadership, yet it is often lacking in power-tripping bosses. A lack of empathy can lead to a disconnect between the leader and their team, making it difficult for the boss to understand and appreciate the perspectives, feelings, and needs of their employees. Without empathy, a boss might disregard the impact of their words and actions on their team’s morale and well-being.

Why You Must Stop

Power tripping, in any form, can have detrimental effects on the workplace culture. It was never an effective or sustainable way to interact with colleagues; it’s a behavior borne out of insecurity, a lack of empathy, and a misunderstanding of what constitutes effective leadership and teamwork.

In today’s workplace, where diversity, collaboration, and mutual respect are highly valued, power-tripping can lead to a toxic environment, high turnover rates, and decreased productivity. It hampers the development of a supportive workplace where ideas can flow freely, and employees can grow both professionally and personally.

Moreover, with the rise of younger generations in the workforce who prioritize respectful, transparent, and empathetic workplace relationships, such behavior is increasingly being called out and is less likely to be tolerated.

In conclusion, recognizing and addressing power-tripping tendencies is crucial for personal growth, professional development, and the creation of a healthy workplace culture. The focus should be on building an environment based on mutual respect, empathy, and collaboration, where every team member, regardless of their position, feels valued and empowered.

Author:  Edwin Ebreo

Edwin is the founder and CEO of ExeQserve, Corporation, an HR Solutions Company. He is also the company’s head consultant for Organization Development and Human Resource Development. Ed developed his skills in training, recruitment, human resource management, organization development, and management consulting through twenty years of collective experience in the retail, financial, BPO and HR consulting business. Connect with him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edebreo/

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Journey To Leadership

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11 Signs Of An Ego-Tripping & Power Hungry Leader

Leadership is all about character , integrity and guiding your team in the right direction.

Even if this job requires a sense of humility , some leaders can get ahead of themselves, let their ego run their world, crave and abuse their power.

Unfortunately, without even knowing it, the best leaders can also get consumed by ego and power.

Wondering if you are ego-tripping or if you are a power-hungry leader?

We have all worked in environments where leaders have completely lost their minds, letting their ego drive their decisions, searching for power or being completely drunk on power.

These leaders are said to be ego-tripping, power-tripping or power-hungry.

Below are the 11 signs revealing whether or not you are power-hungry or ego-tripping.

1. Power-hungry leaders are bullies

They bully their team members to ensure dominance and to kill any potential that would threaten their sense of power.

They overtly criticize others, take cheap shots and undermine the success of the entire team by creating chaos.

They are known to sabotage their team members because they think that they will move forward without them.

2. Power-hungry leaders are empty individuals

They are not whole individuals.

Truth is, they have a heightened sense of self, very low self-esteem and need to constantly feed their ego.

Furthermore, they are not self-aware , mindful of their actions, have low self-esteem and an unhealthy work-life balance.

3. Power-hungry leaders hide deep insecurities

Ego tripping and power-hungry individuals are weak-minded and will give anything to fill that inner void. For most, ego-tripping and power-hungry people are people who have felt powerless while growing up.

Deep inside, they are weak, are cowards, fear their own shadow, don’t have real power and they know it. They are unstable and easy to break.

To the world, they act tough and search for the weaknesses of everyone.

4. Power-hungry leaders jealousy has no bound

They get jealous when other people do better than they do or hold the position they want. They want to be the only one to shine and won’t hesitate to dim the light of others.

5. Power-hungry leaders think rank is enough

They think that their rank and role in the organization is enough to command respect.

Indeed, they pull rank whenever they feel threatened. Unfortunately, they tend to lose all the respect that they so crave.

6. Power-hungry leaders shut down dissenting voices

They remove dissenting voices or anyone who would oppose them.

Instead, they favor yes men, force people to bow down, to submit to their will, to agree with them, to follow them even if they are wrong.

Basically, it’s their way or the high way.

7. Power-hungry leaders believe status is everything

They often remind everyone around them of their titles and past accomplishments. They overshare and over-exaggerate their achievements.

They demonstrate a sense of superiority and use their status to build up their sense of self-worth .

8. Power-hungry leaders always compete with others

To feed their ego, they compete with people or powerful leaders who may not know that they are competing.

They think life is a competition. Even worse, some believe that life is a game and people are pieces on their chessboard.

9. Power-hungry leaders only social climb

They only network with powerful people and use them to social climb.

They look to climb the social ladder, thirsty for notoriety and take part in the most influential situations. They name drop powerful leaders they know in order to get respect and to feel superior.

10. Power-hungry leaders want to control everything and everyone

They tend to micromanage and don’t trust the people around them.

For this reason, they constantly seek control and leverage over others.

11. Power-hungry leaders encourage toxicity

They thrive in chaos, encourage toxic behavior and competition.

They may even gossip and create false narratives to foster a negative environment.

Last Words Of Advice!

Wanting and having power is not always a negative thing. You simply have to want it for the right reasons in order to go the distance. Otherwise, you will rapidly crash and burn.

If you come across one of those power-hungry leaders, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself.

Hope that I’ve helped you get it together on your way to leadership!

Don’t forget to like, share and leave a comment below.

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power trip noun

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What does the noun power trip mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun power trip . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the noun power trip ?

How is the noun power trip pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun power trip come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun power trip is in the 1960s.

OED's earliest evidence for power trip is from 1968, in Newsweek (New York).

power trip is formed within English, by compounding.

Etymons: power n. 1 , trip n. 1

Nearby entries

• power take-off, n. 1928–
• power tennis, n. 1940–
• power tie, n. 1984–
• power tool, n. 1878–
• power-to-weight ratio, n. 1937–
• power tower, n. 1912–
• power train, n. 1943–
• power transformer, n. 1929–
• power transistor, n. 1957–
• power trio, n. 1937–
• power trip, n. 1968–
• power-trip, v. 1987–
• power-tripping, n. 1971–
• power-tripping, adj. 1970–
• power tube, n. 1924–
• power unit, n. 1874–
• power-up, n. 1958–
• power user, n. 1885–
• power valve, n. 1919–
• power walk, n. 1986–
• power-walk, v. 1985–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for power trip, n..

power trip, n. was first published in December 2006.

power trip, n. was last modified in July 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

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Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into power trip, n. in July 2023.

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The boss of P&O Ferries - known for its "fire-and-rehire" of nearly 800 workers - has said he could not live on the less than £5-per-hour some of his staff are paid.

The ferry company is paying employees an average of £5.20 an hour, two years after making 786 people redundant, and rehiring cheaper workers, P&O Ferries chief executive Peter Hebblethwaite told the Commons' Business and Trade Committee.

Some earn as little as £4.87 an hour, Mr Hebblethwaite added, as MPs on the committee presented him with evidence that some staff were paid as low as £2.90 an hour for their first eight hours of work.

During exchanges, committee chair Liam Byrne asked Mr Hebblethwaite: "Do you think you could live on £4.87 an hour?"

You can read more from Sky News below:

Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick said Conservative voters were "on strike" and needed Rishi Sunak's government to be honest about the mistakes that have been made.

He told LBC there needed to be "some introspection" following the "very bad results" in the local elections.

Mr Jenrick, who has produced a paper on measures to curb net migration, said: "What I've tried to set out are a series of policies that could be implemented before the general election, such as what I'm saying today on legal migration, which would convince some of those Conservative voters - who are essentially on strike - to come back and support the party at the general election.

"And also to persuade some of those voters who are considering voting Reform that we do care about the issues that they do, which are principally immigration, but also on crime, on extremism and on lower taxes.

"And if we can do that, I think we can persuade more of those former Conservative voters to come back and to support us.

"But that will require honesty, it requires levelling with the public about the mistakes of the past and using every last minute we have in office before the general election to actually deliver positive change for the public."

From Sunday, eligible working parents of children from nine-months-old in England will be able to register for access to up to 15 free hours of government-funded childcare per week.

This will then be granted from September. 

Check if you're eligible  here  - or read on for our explainer on free childcare across the UK.

Three and four year olds

In England, all parents of children aged three and four in England can claim 15 hours of free childcare per week, for 1,140 hours (38 weeks) a year, at an approved provider.

This is a universal offer open to all.

It can be extended to 30 hours where both parents (or the sole parent) are in work, earn the weekly minimum equivalent of 16 hours at the national minimum or living wage, and have an income of less than £100,000 per year.

Two year olds

Previously, only parents in receipt of certain benefits were eligible for 15 hours of free childcare.

But, as of last month, this was extended to working parents.

This is not a universal offer, however.

A working parent must earn more than £8,670 but less than £100,000 per year. For couples, the rule applies to both parents.

Nine months old

In September, this same 15-hour offer will be extended to working parents of children aged from nine months. From 12 May, those whose children will be at least nine months old on 31 August can apply to received the 15 hours of care from September.

From September 2025

The final change to the childcare offer in England will be rolled out in September 2025, when eligible working parents of all children under the age of five will be able to claim 30 hours of free childcare a week.

You can read more details in our Money blog below:

Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow paymaster general, said Labour would "immediately" undertake an "audit of UK-China relations" if they form a government.

He was asked how the party would respond to cyber threats in the wake of an attack on the Ministry of Defence which Sky News understands was the work of China.

Beijing has denied responsibility.

The MP said: "It's clearly a very serious situation, it was right for the secretary of state to come to parliament yesterday and update MPs.

 "One of the things we've said that we would do if we got elected would be to immediately have an audit of UK-China relations.

"China is a strategic challenge, at the same time China is also a big part of the global economy and we have bi-lateral trade arrangements with them.

"But equally a Labour government would always take national security as our absolute, number one priority."

Mr Ashworth said that the UK needs to do "more as a nation to protect ourselves from these very serious cyber attacks".

"We've had reports of this one yesterday, we've had other reports in recent times," he added,

"I think the Electoral Commission for example was targeted.

"We are going to see more of this, so we need to take all measures, all action that we can to protect ourselves."

But he reiterated: "There would be no compromise of national security under a Labour government."

Over a year ago, Rishi Sunak made five pledges for voters to judge him on.

The prime minister met his promise to halve inflation by the end of 2023.

But with the general election approaching, how is Mr Sunak doing on delivering his other promises?

You can see the progress for yourself below:

Train drivers kicked off a fresh wave of strikes yesterday.

They are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days until Thursday.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime until Saturday.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when…

Claire Coutinho, the energy secretary, has reiterated that the government "wants to establish the facts" before naming the "malign actor" involved in a Ministry of Defence data breach.

Sky News understands that China was involved in the hack, which targeted a third-party payroll system.

Ms Coutinho said: "We've made sure we've isolated the network, and a security investigation is happening at the moment and support is being provided to any of the personnel who were affected to make sure that they can get their payments on time.

"Grant (Shapps) yesterday talked about a malign actor, but that's because we want to establish the facts firstly."

But does this make the UK look weak?

The minister thinks not.

"You would expect government ministers to want to establish facts, particularly when it comes to matters of national security and I would say in the last couple of weeks alone, we have set out an increase to our defence spending," she said.

"And in that document we talked about the fact that countries like China are now acting in a co-ordinated and sometimes hostile way.

"We have taken a very robust position on this overall."

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide you through their top predictions for the next seven days in British politics. 

Following the local and mayoral elections, Jack and Sam discuss how Rishi Sunak will try to get back onto the front foot and whether the Conservative rebels will continue to plot against him.     

They also predict that the country will come out of recession and look forward to a new SNP leader in Scotland following the resignation of Humza Yousaf. 

 Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out:  [email protected]  or  [email protected]          

Two thirds of NHS trusts have missed their target to treat patients within 18 weeks since the last general election, Labour has claimed.

According to the party's analysis of House of Commons Library figures, 114 trusts out of 167 have failed to meet the target in any month since December 2019.

Trusts are meant to ensure that 92% of patients are treated within 18 weeks of GP referral.

Most trusts also did not hit their A&E target, which is that 95% of patients should wait less than four hours, according to the opposition party.

Labour said only 10 trusts reached the goal in any one month in the last five years, when the national COVID lockdown in 2020 - during which emergency rooms were relatively empty - is excluded from the data.

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said: "On Rishi Sunak's watch, record numbers of patients are left waiting for hours on end in A&E when delays can cost lives.

"Under the Conservatives, people can no longer trust the NHS to be there for them when they need it.

"When Labour was last in government, patients were treated in good time, and the maximum waiting time was cut from 18 months to 18 weeks".

In response, a Conservative Party spokesman said: "Despite record demand this winter, four-hour A&E performance improved compared to March last year.

"Despite the impact of the COVID pandemic, we're also making progress in reducing the overall NHS waiting list, which has fallen by almost 200,000 over the past five months."

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