From food banks at polling stations to a record night for the Greens via a win for Scotland's first refugee councillor, Thursday’s election felt like a Karmic kicking for Boris Johnson's Tories...
I don't think I've ever been so invested in a local election before - I was cheering when the page refreshed and the tories lost more seats. They gave me hope, in a time when it's so easy to feel isolated, that others feel the same way I do.
100% this. I’ve always tried not to express strong like or dislike for specific parties as a journalist - to stay focussed on issues. But this election feels different - like it’s between integrity and dishonesty. So many are being much more outspoken against this government now. So even without an absolute sweep, the changing picture of the results felt hopeful. And I can’t recommend the videos of Rosa Salon’s win enough for an extra hit of optimism! Xx
I love your writing Jennifer! The "have-yachts." :) I was highly invested in the Worthing election which was won convincingly by Labour. So much so that I was at the count!
4 years ago, Labour had 0 Councillors; now it has 23. Worthing is a proud coastal town with a vibrant arts and music scene. It also has areas of high deprivation with a shocking 25% of its children living in poverty.
Some of the reasons Labour was able to win here so convincingly include:
- Demographic changes as a high proportion of the elderly population have died and young families moved in.
- A dynamic and energetic Labour Party which has worked tirelessly in the community, most recently working with Covid support groups and food providers. Locally it is seen as listening and understanding people's concerns. This community approach was a major factor in Labour's success here.
- Superb local organisation, high visibility, hard work and an excellent strategy.
- Good humour and a collegiate approach. Political differences are not allowed to get in the way of the mission.
- A high priority given to environmental issues. The plan is to turn the seaside town green.
Thanks Denyse! So many have-yachts in power right now ;)
The fact we have areas of the UK with 25% of children living in poverty is just disgraceful, isn't it? It sounds like your town has some excellent priorities but goodness, it's sad that it has to be such hard work. Your town sounds a lot like mine - a seaside town with a changing demographic driving political change. My area saw three Tory seats lost - one each to Labour, the SNP and the Greens. Zero to 23 though - blimey, that's a shift and then some! xx
Hi Jen, love your writing. It just made me so happy seeing the Tories lose those incumbent seats. The joy! I really can't get my head around where Labour are lacking & why KS isn't having as much of an impact as he should...
I don't think I've ever been so invested in a local election before - I was cheering when the page refreshed and the tories lost more seats. They gave me hope, in a time when it's so easy to feel isolated, that others feel the same way I do.
100% this. I’ve always tried not to express strong like or dislike for specific parties as a journalist - to stay focussed on issues. But this election feels different - like it’s between integrity and dishonesty. So many are being much more outspoken against this government now. So even without an absolute sweep, the changing picture of the results felt hopeful. And I can’t recommend the videos of Rosa Salon’s win enough for an extra hit of optimism! Xx
Roza Salih. Damn autocorrect!
I love your writing Jennifer! The "have-yachts." :) I was highly invested in the Worthing election which was won convincingly by Labour. So much so that I was at the count!
4 years ago, Labour had 0 Councillors; now it has 23. Worthing is a proud coastal town with a vibrant arts and music scene. It also has areas of high deprivation with a shocking 25% of its children living in poverty.
Some of the reasons Labour was able to win here so convincingly include:
- Demographic changes as a high proportion of the elderly population have died and young families moved in.
- A dynamic and energetic Labour Party which has worked tirelessly in the community, most recently working with Covid support groups and food providers. Locally it is seen as listening and understanding people's concerns. This community approach was a major factor in Labour's success here.
- Superb local organisation, high visibility, hard work and an excellent strategy.
- Good humour and a collegiate approach. Political differences are not allowed to get in the way of the mission.
- A high priority given to environmental issues. The plan is to turn the seaside town green.
Thanks Denyse! So many have-yachts in power right now ;)
The fact we have areas of the UK with 25% of children living in poverty is just disgraceful, isn't it? It sounds like your town has some excellent priorities but goodness, it's sad that it has to be such hard work. Your town sounds a lot like mine - a seaside town with a changing demographic driving political change. My area saw three Tory seats lost - one each to Labour, the SNP and the Greens. Zero to 23 though - blimey, that's a shift and then some! xx
Hi Jen, love your writing. It just made me so happy seeing the Tories lose those incumbent seats. The joy! I really can't get my head around where Labour are lacking & why KS isn't having as much of an impact as he should...