Once, a lot of Labour members would’ve looked at a place like Worle and thought ‘not a chance’.
Solidly Tory for decades, it’s always somewhere Labour has struggled to make headway, despite strong challenges from excellent candidates.
But now that’s all changing. Around the country, we’re seeing Labour campaigning hard, outperforming expectations, and winning seats that have been Tory or Liberal for generations – and the West Country is no exception.
Worle Victory
Just last week Labour pulled off a fantastic result in the North Worle by-election.
Hard-working local candidate Denise Hunt fought off UKIP, the Lib Dems and the Tories to win not one but two seats – one on Weston Town Council, and one on North Somerset Council.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the result,” says Denise. “More than anything, I think it proves that if you run a positive campaign, link big national issues with local concerns – like we did with the night-time closure of Weston’s A&E – and just work very, very hard, there’s no such thing as a no-go area for Labour.
“If Labour can win in North Worle, we can win anywhere – and I hope that provides encouragement for Labour Parties in Tory-dominated areas all around the region.
“I want to say a special thanks to Labour activists from Bridgwater who travelled up to help me during the campaign – it was hugely appreciated, and we look forward to returning the favour soon.”
…still lost though.