Following on from the success of the Bridgwater and West Somerset Young Labour launch event with Kerry McCarthy MP, chair Diogo Rodrigues organised for Ben Bradshaw MP to visit the Young Labour group for a social event on Thursday 9th February.
Chelsea Chadwick,Young Labour Women’s Officer and County Council candidate for the Huntspill division said “Ben imparted valuable knowledge with the group, and discussed his campaigning techniques. He attributed Labour’s success in Exeter to the strong grassroots campaigning from the Young Labour members, and has even offered the chance for Young Labour members to visit his office in Exeter if they would like any help with campaigning.”
Ben also spoke with the group regarding our local issues in the area, including the outcome of the EU Referendum. Ben felt the best way to move forward is to ensure that Labour are in a strong position to stop a hard Brexit from the Conservatives, and to protect our human rights which could be jeopardised in the deal. Chelsea added “If you would like to come to our next Young Labour event, please join our Facebook page to keep updated.”
Rebuild Labour Locally
Labour member Gary Tucker said “I personally got a lot from it. Despite not being a Corbyn supporter like me, he was very friendly, a great listener and offered fantastic advice about what we can be doing to start rebuilding Labour locally. He confirmed that the power is in the data and that activist engagement is key which is two things I am really into! He explained how to change branch meetings to become an inspiring, exciting experience which would make more people turn up. It was a shame that we had no data sheets on us as he would have demonstrated some door knocking. However, he has invited us down to Exeter to watch this as part of our training.”
Tips and Advice
County Council candidate for the North Petherton ward, Jane Grenfell, said “Had a really interesting and informative meeting with Ben Bradshaw MP today. He generously gave his time to support our new young Labour group. He also spent time offering tips and advice to myself and fellow County Council candidate Chelsea Chadwick. All fired up now to take Labour’s message of hope and economic security to voters. And he has a Bridgwater Thorn bike!”
MPs putting Bridgwater on the map
Cllr Diogo Rodrigues (Dunwear North) is chair of Young Labour and a County Council candidate for the Bridgwater East and Bawdrip division. Diogo said “Ben is the second of Labour MPs to have visited us so far this year – Bridgwater is really being put on the map and these visits really have helped to inspire our labour members. Bridgwater is a strong Labour area and we really do have great potential do grow our membership and support locally. We can only do this with the active support of our current members by getting involved with events like these and other campaigning events that we hold. Young members please feel free to contact me on how else you can get involved”
Diogo can be contacted on – djnrodrigues@outlook.com