Bryony Gordon Other party leaders must commit too

This announcement marks a radical departure in the way politics does mental health. The promise means the ripping-up of a decadesold law that Theresa May acknowledges as not fit for purpose. To me, the key commitment is mental-health first aid in schools. Mental illnesses must be recognised early or they can lead to addiction, criminality and antisocial behaviour. So this is an important step in reducing the burden on the NHS of up to £100billion a year. It is right that mental health should be a central election issue – get it right, and everyone benefits.

Other party leaders must follow suit.