Middlesbrough by-election

Just posted to my blog at http://skwalker1964.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/an-open-letter-to-ed-miliband-on-candidate-selection/:

Dear Ed,

Earlier today, I received an email from Labour’s central office advising that ‘I am afraid you have not been long-listed on this occasion’, in response to my application for selection as Labour’s candidate in the Middlesbrough by-election.

I’ve thought long and hard about whether to write this, and if I did write it, how to make it not just seem like sour grapes – because it isn’t, it really isn’t. I haven’t been a member of the Labour Party for 12 months yet, and I’d been warned by both your regional and national offices that this was likely to torpedo my chances, so even as I wrote my application I was resigning myself to the fact that the chance of success was slim.

So while I’m definitely disappointed and frustrated, I’ll get behind whoever I think is the best candidate at Sunday’s hustings, will get behind the selected candidate even if s/he’s not the one I thought was the best, and I’ll help with campaigning as far as my work allows. So I don’t think I’m just being a bad loser.

I’m a supporter of yours – not without criticism, of course, but what use are ‘yes-men’? I believe that you have the ability to lead Labour back into government and to be really good for this country. So I’m not writing this from an adversarial position either.

So what is my ‘beef’?

Well, just a couple of days ago, it was reported that you had asked John Trickett to find more MPs from a working class background, who are ”not the usual kind of suspects who come from a political professional background”. You’ve also reportedly said that you want more MPs from a business background. And you’ve said you want more MPs who haven’t been through the usual university route

I fit all three of those categories.

I was born in a 2-bedroomed, terraced house in an inner-city neighbourhood of Middlesbrough (yes, the by-election is in the town where I was born and still live, which makes it especially frustrating not to get a sniff). My dad worked at ICI and the steelworks, my mother worked in a baker’s shop, we didn’t have an inside toilet until I was about 10, never had central heating, or a car, and my parents only even got a phone installed after I’d left home to get married. So I definitely think I can legitimately claim to be working class.

I didn’t go to university. Instead, I elected to go straight into the world of work – first for 3 years in a bank, which I detested, and then with a manufacturing company, answering calls in French and German, and working my way up.

Eventually, I moved up into a variety of executive roles – European Sales Director, Vice-President and so on, travelling the world to sell British products to overseas customers. So I think I can definitely claim a business background, too. But I never forgot my working class roots, never forgot that most people aren’t lucky enough to get the breaks I got or to be able to do what I’ve done. I still live only a mile from where I grew up, and I spend time in one of the town’s poorer estates trying to do a bit to help there.

What else do I bring to the table? Well, I speak several languages fluently, so I’d be very good at negotiating with foreign companies to bring inward investment into an area that needs it desperately. I have a high IQ and a certain skill with words and analysis, as the blog where I’m writing this open letter to you shows – I hope, at least.

I also bring passion. I write the blog in my own time and spend pretty much all my free time either writing articles debunking the government’s many lies and misdeeds or else researching so that I can write those articles. I read, watch and listen almost exclusively to material that will inform me so that I can try to help others be informed, because disinformation and propaganda are this government’s main weapons to keep us docile and compliant, and most of the mainstream media collude in it. And, just maybe, so I can inspire a little faith and a little hope that things can actually be better, in a time when most people are either cynical or bored with politics.

I stated all this in my application, as well as including references from a Labour MP and an ex-colleague, and a representative of Unison in the South West wrote in supporting my application, because I’ve written a lot on the assault the NHS is facing in the South West and elsewhere.

What I don’t bring is a 12-month Labour membership. Not yet, at least. I’ve almost always voted Labour and on the one occasion I didn’t, it was because I felt that Labour wasn’t being true to its roots, its history and its duty to fight for ordinary working people.

I joined the party at the beginning of this year, because I felt that it wasn’t enough to agree with Labour principles and hate what this government is doing – that I had to put my time and money where my mouth is. Not long afterwards, I started writing the blog – and people started suggesting that I’d make a good MP. So when Sir Stuart Bell died, I thought, ‘Why not?’ and decided to apply. And quite a number of people even very kindly went to the trouble of writing to your central office saying they should consider my application.

But today I got that email. What makes it especially frustrating is that your ‘Future Candidates Programme’ (yes, I’ve applied for that, too) doesn’t even require you to be a Labour member to apply, just that you’ll join the Party if you’re actually selected to stand somewhere. No mention of a 12-month membership requirement first. So it was a surprise to me that it was likely to be a bar to my application.

Of course, that may not be why my application failed. Maybe all the long-listed candidates are far more suitable than I am. But somehow I don’t think there can have been many from multi-lingual, working class blokes with 24 years of business experience in this country and abroad, a passion for social justice and other Labour values and who aren’t part of the ‘professional political class’.

So, what am I looking for in writing this to you? I’m not looking for a ‘bye’ into the next round. The shortlist interviews are tomorrow in London and I’m miles away from there. The hustings for the final selection are on Sunday, so there’d be no time to canvas for support even if I got onto the shortlist.

I think what I really want to know, Ed, is this: when you said you wanted people from all those different backgrounds, did you really mean it?

I think you did, because I think you’re the kind of bloke who generally says what he means and means what he says. But if you did, your selection people may not have received the memo – and your selection process needs a lot of change before it lines up with your expressed intent.

I hope you did, and I hope you’ll make the changes, and make sure the memo gets through. Because I plan to try again (it’s just a pity it won’t be for my home-town seat). I think I can do some good and offer something good to the people I’ll be serving.

And I think there’s a lot of us out there – working class, non-graduates, businesspeople or all three – who can help make things better for the people this government is intent on screwing, and of whom the Tories will be scared witless because we know what’s really happening on the ground and, often, what’s really happening in the business world as well, and we know how to nail the lies they thrive on.

If you think the same or just fancy a chat, feel free to get in touch!

Yours very sincerely,

Steve

Taking a totally dispassionate view, ignoring personalities or beliefs, it might be viewed as a kipper across the face of Party Faithfuls to select a candidate presumably almost unknown to the local organisation.

You'll be familiar with the expression "Buggins' turn" which is widely respected at many levels of political activity, and the antonym equivalent "parachuted in".

As a successful candidate of my acquaintance once remarked, "I had to kiss an awful lot of frogs before I got to the Prince."

HI Steve, sorry you did not get selected this time but I hope Ed Miliband does get in touch with you maybe that way Ed will keep you in mind the next time something comes up in your area or surrounding area, it better in your own area where people know you and trust you. I will keep my fingers crossed for you in the meantime I wish you well.

Your post sums up the present political system perfectly Steve. Why sponsor a local that knows the people and area well, when you can promote somebody to who you have promised a safe seat to, who will then be profoundly grateful and give total support regardless. The fact that they know nothing about the place means nothing.

You should have stood as an independent and highlighted why you want to run, old fashioned I know, but it's worked in the past.

"The Independent candidate lost his Deposit"

They do, you know. £500 for one line in the paper.

Predictably boring OW, even independents require a team to promote them.

Unless and until the main parties abandon the "whipping" system in Parliament, Independents will remain a lone voice in the wilderness.

Boring but true.

tlttf wrote:Predictably boring OW, even independents require a team to promote them.

Teams to promote Independents cost money too not unless you know people that will work for nothing tittf, maybe the next lot of independents will be golden handshake ex-bankers.

oftenwrong wrote:Taking a totally dispassionate view, ignoring personalities or beliefs, it might be viewed as a kipper across the face of Party Faithfuls to select a candidate presumably almost unknown to the local organisation.

You'll be familiar with the expression "Buggins' turn" which is widely respected at many levels of political activity, and the antonym equivalent "parachuted in".

I don't think I'd qualify as 'parachuted in', having lived in the area my whole life. I'm known to some in the local party, too - but all I was looking for was the chance to compete for votes from local members just like anyone getting shortlisted. If I failed to get the votes, then I fail - but I'd have liked the chance to try.

Thanks to all for the kind comments. Standing as an independent would, as some have rightly pointed out, have been prohibitive in terms of the cost of mounting a serious bid.

It would also have the drawback of ignoring the fact that I'm a Labour supporter and believe in Labour's traditional principles.

While I'm disappointed not to be in the mix, the calibre of some of the candidates is high and I'm looking forward to getting behind whichever one wins. I just think I'd have held my own among them at the hustings

You appear to be a fine and measured fellow, Steve Walker - and therefore never in danger of suddenly turning into a Tory . Such a fate would be too horrible to contemplate...

If you believe some reports from the USA, our Tories can be disregarded on the World Scale of greed. Since the relaxation of banking controls, a super-brat group of entrepreneurs using the instant communication afforded by the internet have accumulated half of the value of the global stock-exchanges within less than 0.1% of the population.

All we can do is watch.

skwalker1964 wrote:Thanks to all for the kind comments. Standing as an independent would, as some have rightly pointed out, have been prohibitive in terms of the cost of mounting a serious bid.

It would also have the drawback of ignoring the fact that I'm a Labour supporter and believe in Labour's traditional principles.

While I'm disappointed not to be in the mix, the calibre of some of the candidates is high and I'm looking forward to getting behind whichever one wins. I just think I'd have held my own among them at the hustings

No problem Steve I'm certain you will make a great Labour candidate, at least your a bigger man than David Miliband who spat his dummy when Ed won the leadership and it was only on last Thursdays QT that he stood up for Eds policies.

Whether Independent candidates could ever coalesce into a civilised form of Government may not be known, but it's worth remembering that every single one of us has an Independent Vote. We are not obliged to choose between the same tired old policies every time.

skwalker1964 wrote:Thanks to all for the kind comments. Standing as an independent would, as some have rightly pointed out, have been prohibitive in terms of the cost of mounting a serious bid.

It would also have the drawback of ignoring the fact that I'm a Labour supporter and believe in Labour's traditional principles.

While I'm disappointed not to be in the mix, the calibre of some of the candidates is high and I'm looking forward to getting behind whichever one wins. I just think I'd have held my own among them at the hustings

I think you would make a fine upstanding Labour candidate Steve, you have seen the pitfalls and know what has to be done to get the next Labour gov't into power so who ever got selected in your area will be a very lucky candidate to have you batting for them.

Redflag wrote:

skwalker1964 wrote:Thanks to all for the kind comments. Standing as an independent would, as some have rightly pointed out, have been prohibitive in terms of the cost of mounting a serious bid.

It would also have the drawback of ignoring the fact that I'm a Labour supporter and believe in Labour's traditional principles.

While I'm disappointed not to be in the mix, the calibre of some of the candidates is high and I'm looking forward to getting behind whichever one wins. I just think I'd have held my own among them at the hustings

I think you would make a fine upstanding Labour candidate Steve, you have seen the pitfalls and know what has to be done to get the next Labour gov't into power so who ever got selected in your area will be a very lucky candidate to have you batting for them.

Thank you!

From my blog. As usual, please see the original at http://skwalker1964.wordpress.com/2012/11/05/reflections-on-middlesbrough-ppc-selection-and-all-women-shortlists/ for links.

It was quite a day today. Middlesbrough Constituency Labour Party gathered at Teesside University to select its candidate for the by-election following the sad death of Sir Stuart Bell. A big day – Stuart was Labour’s MP for 30 years, so it’s been a long time since there was such a selection meeting.

The quality of almost all the prospective candidates was very high, with all but one of the 2 women and 3 men having strong connections to the area. The average number of attendees for such meetings across the country is apparently only about 40 people – we had 182 in attendance, plus a number of proxy votes for people too ill to attend, which speaks well of the level of engagement of local Labour members.

It was an interesting experience. We gathered on time but started the proceedings proper just over an hour late, as there was some discrepancy in the attendee count. But when things eventually got going, the speeches were strong, the level of passion high, and the quality of what was said equally so.

But in the end, I think the best candidate won – Andy McDonald, the only candidate who has always lived in the area, won in a relative landslide, with almost twice the votes of the nearest challenger. His passion and desire to represent the town shone through, and it was heart-warming and inspiring to see, as the results were announced, how much it meant to him in his pressed lips and glistening eyes. I think he’s going to be a great candidate and he deserves every congratulation and all our support.

You might know, if you’ve visited this blog before, that I had put myself forward for the candidacy, but didn’t make even the longlist because I haven’t quite been a Labour member for 12 months yet. I’ve been thinking about the possibility of applying for Stockton South – the only local constituency with a Tory incumbent – to challenge for 2015. A Tory MP in the north-east is a scandal, even if he only scraped through in 2010, and he’ll be vulnerable in the next election thanks to the bumbling, corrupt government his party has created.

However, I was told today that Stockton South is going to have an all-women shortlist. I have to confess, with a certain amount of discomfort, that I have very ambivalent feelings about all-women shortlists. On the one hand, I’m a firm believer in the need to increase the number of female MPs and in the importance of just over 50% of the electorate having commensurate representation in Parliament.

On the other hand, today’s experience makes me wary of the practice. Because this is a by-election, apparently the NEC didn’t have the option of appointing an all-women list. But if this had been a regular election and it had chosen to go the all-female route, the best – and by far the most qualified and popular candidate – wouldn’t have been able to stand, let alone win.

If there had been other women applicants with equal or superior credentials and ability, they would have been on the shortlist, along with or instead of the very estimable female candidates we heard today. So either the NEC selected wrongly or there weren’t other suitable women candidates. Yet, for Stockton in 2015, just a few miles across, the local party will be presented with a list comprising only of women – to compete in a constituency which opted for ‘the enemy’ in 2010. It may be that there are fantastic women candidates for that – but if so, where were they for the Middlesbrough by-election?

But I also read a post by Ellie Mae O’Hagan today in which she responded to some comments about her recent appearance on Newsnight (in which I thought she acquitted herself excellently, by the way), which apparently suggested (I haven’t seen the original comments) that she was only on the show because she was a woman, when there were more qualified men. She posed the question of whether it’s possible for a white, middle-class male (which would also describe me, except for the middle-class bit) to suffer from any kind of institutional discrimination. Maybe she’s right, and the only solution for the overall situation involves disadvantaging middle-aged white men like me. I’m honestly torn.

I feel a frustration with the situation which I’m sure is in part selfish. I believe in local candidates, yet I’ll be barred, on the grounds of gender, from even applying for the job. But it’s not entirely selfish – right or wrong I think I’d be a very good candidate, and I also believe that a north-east marginal seat needs the best candidate available, regardless of sex and whether it’s me or someone else. And I’m aware of local women who feel the same – perhaps far more strongly. And the facthat Ed Miliband is said to want more working-class candidates, more candidates without university qualifications, and more candidates from a business background – and that I fit all three categories – makes it doubly frustrating.

But it almost feels wrong to feel that way, like some kind of betrayal. So I’m conflicted. I don’t imagine for a minute that the Labour Party is going to abandon its policy of selecting all-female shortlists for some seats (and I can’t say I’m sure it should), and I agree with the need to increase the number of female candidates. But surely there are better ways than excluding capable and passionate men from even attempting to present their case? For example, a weighting could be applied across all seats, so that in close votes between a male and female candidate, the woman’s support was factored more highly.

It might seem undemocratic to weight votes for a woman more heavily than a man, but surely no more so than excluding men altogether. Being as impartial as I’m capable of being, I still want the best candidates to win, regardless of gender. Or maybe I’m being self-centred and short-sighted, and should just suspend any personal desire to contribute and participate for the sake of the bigger picture. But that doesn’t feel right either. It’s a tough call.

Anyway. Whatever the ins and outs of that question, I’d like to offer my heartfelt congratulations and support to the very worthy winner of today’s vote, and to commend to you the excellent Andy McDonald as Middlesbrough Labour’s Candidate for the impending by-election. If you live in the area or can make it here, please get behind him, give him your full and practical support, and let’s make sure Labour wins the by-election with a resounding majority that reflects the contempt with which the Tories and the coalition government are so rightly regarded.

I enjoyed reading your above post, I once had dealings with doctor Ashok Kumar, the Labour MP for your neighbouring constituency, a very nice man who sadly died suddenly a couple of years ago.

Strangely enough I am about to join the Labour Party, I have never been a member of any political party before and have been a floating voter in the past between Labour and Liberal Democrat, though I would now rather eat broken glass than vote Lib Dem.

Allthough I wish you all the best of luck in Middlesbrough, I would say that you dont realy need that much luck, infact I almost feel sorry for any Conservative candidate, whoever he or she is.

witchfinder wrote:I enjoyed reading your above post, I once had dealings with doctor Ashok Kumar, the Labour MP for your neighbouring constituency, a very nice man who sadly died suddenly a couple of years ago.

Strangely enough I am about to join the Labour Party, I have never been a member of any political party before and have been a floating voter in the past between Labour and Liberal Democrat, though I would now rather eat broken glass than vote Lib Dem.

Allthough I wish you all the best of luck in Middlesbrough, I would say that you dont realy need that much luck, infact I almost feel sorry for any Conservative candidate, whoever he or she is.

Good man! As for luck, I'm out campaigning and leafleting and am not going to take anything for granted - but when we'll need the luck is after the bye-election. The next couple of years are going to be a no-holds-barred fight to try to limit the damage this government can do before the next election, and it's going to be an uphill struggle.

witchfinder wrote:I enjoyed reading your above post, I once had dealings with doctor Ashok Kumar, the Labour MP for your neighbouring constituency, a very nice man who sadly died suddenly a couple of years ago.

Strangely enough I am about to join the Labour Party, I have never been a member of any political party before and have been a floating voter in the past between Labour and Liberal Democrat, though I would now rather eat broken glass than vote Lib Dem.

Allthough I wish you all the best of luck in Middlesbrough, I would say that you dont realy need that much luck, infact I almost feel sorry for any Conservative candidate, whoever he or she is.

Hi Witchfinder and most of all WELCOME to the Labour party family, it is not perfect but with people like yourself we can make it perfect. Our next test is the by-elections and the PCC elections I am hoping that the Labour party do well in both the by-elections and the PCC elections it will give us an idea of how the voting public are seeing the Labour party.

skwalker1964 wrote:

Redflag wrote:

skwalker1964 wrote:Thanks to all for the kind comments. Standing as an independent would, as some have rightly pointed out, have been prohibitive in terms of the cost of mounting a serious bid.

It would also have the drawback of ignoring the fact that I'm a Labour supporter and believe in Labour's traditional principles.

While I'm disappointed not to be in the mix, the calibre of some of the candidates is high and I'm looking forward to getting behind whichever one wins. I just think I'd have held my own among them at the hustings

I think you would make a fine upstanding Labour candidate Steve, you have seen the pitfalls and know what has to be done to get the next Labour gov't into power so who ever got selected in your area will be a very lucky candidate to have you batting for them.

Thank you!

The Labour party needs more people like in the party skywalker, please let me know if you ever get selected to stand as a Labour candidate and if I can will help with your campaign.

In unity lies strength, but a little healthy scepticism is appropriate wherever professional Politicians are concerned.

I didn't get where I am today without serving out platitudes like pearls of wisdom.

CJ.

What you mean "in a wheelchair".

Hold on while I dig up Alan Turing.

skwalker1964 wrote:

witchfinder wrote:I enjoyed reading your above post, I once had dealings with doctor Ashok Kumar, the Labour MP for your neighbouring constituency, a very nice man who sadly died suddenly a couple of years ago.

Strangely enough I am about to join the Labour Party, I have never been a member of any political party before and have been a floating voter in the past between Labour and Liberal Democrat, though I would now rather eat broken glass than vote Lib Dem.

Allthough I wish you all the best of luck in Middlesbrough, I would say that you dont realy need that much luck, infact I almost feel sorry for any Conservative candidate, whoever he or she is.

Good man! As for luck, I'm out campaigning and leafleting and am not going to take anything for granted - but when we'll need the luck is after the bye-election. The next couple of years are going to be a no-holds-barred fight to try to limit the damage this government can do before the next election, and it's going to be an uphill struggle.

Glad to hear your out campaigning skywalker, how are things looking out there I live in Scotland and I like to know what is happening down south, it through this board and watching BBC Parliament channel that I get my info. There is going to be a lot of shoveling of SHYTE when the Labour party get back in I feel sorry for them because of the mess this shower of dick heads will have left behind will be UNBELIEVABLE.

Redflag wrote:

skwalker1964 wrote:

witchfinder wrote:I enjoyed reading your above post, I once had dealings with doctor Ashok Kumar, the Labour MP for your neighbouring constituency, a very nice man who sadly died suddenly a couple of years ago.

Strangely enough I am about to join the Labour Party, I have never been a member of any political party before and have been a floating voter in the past between Labour and Liberal Democrat, though I would now rather eat broken glass than vote Lib Dem.

Allthough I wish you all the best of luck in Middlesbrough, I would say that you dont realy need that much luck, infact I almost feel sorry for any Conservative candidate, whoever he or she is.

Good man! As for luck, I'm out campaigning and leafleting and am not going to take anything for granted - but when we'll need the luck is after the bye-election. The next couple of years are going to be a no-holds-barred fight to try to limit the damage this government can do before the next election, and it's going to be an uphill struggle.

Glad to hear your out campaigning skywalker, how are things looking out there I live in Scotland and I like to know what is happening down south, it through this board and watching BBC Parliament channel that I get my info. There is going to be a lot of shoveling of SHYTE when the Labour party get back in I feel sorry for them because of the mess this shower of dick heads will have left behind will be UNBELIEVABLE.

Spent last night leafleting - nothing to report apart from the occasional abuse from householders who'd rather not know they're being robbed blind. Some doorknocking tonight, probably - and this afternoon the official opening of the campaign HQ.

Nick Clegg just claimed in PMQs that people can trust the coalition with the economy as I type. The man really does live in an alternative universe.

I do not trust any politician with the economy, the plain fact is they are all powerless to effect the globalised economy in any significant way.

The role of politicians is to use the proceeds of the economy to protect its citizens from its downside, and empty my bins on time.

The country needs administrators not ideologues.

Spent last night leafleting - nothing to report apart from the occasional abuse from householders who'd rather not know they're being robbed blind. Some doorknocking tonight, probably - and this afternoon the official opening of the campaign HQ.

Nick Clegg just claimed in PMQs that people can trust the coalition with the economy as I type. The man really does live in an alternative universe.

skwalker1964

Posts: 104
Join date: 2012-05-15

I see your having a bit of a hard time skywalker, sorry but you will get a lot of that at doors I have done it myself, but not as bad as you are getting but then I live in Scotland and we do not vote Tory here we got our belly full of them when the Maggot was in power. I often wonder when England will wake up the the BLOODY TORIES and see that they are trying to get rid of every sector in the PUBLIC Sector and hand it over to the private sector.

Redflag wrote:
Spent last night leafleting - nothing to report apart from the occasional abuse from householders who'd rather not know they're being robbed blind. Some doorknocking tonight, probably - and this afternoon the official opening of the campaign HQ.

Nick Clegg just claimed in PMQs that people can trust the coalition with the economy as I type. The man really does live in an alternative universe.

skwalker1964

Posts: 104
Join date: 2012-05-15

I see your having a bit of a hard time skywalker, sorry but you will get a lot of that at doors I have done it myself, but not as bad as you are getting but then I live in Scotland and we do not vote Tory here we got our belly full of them when the Maggot was in power. I often wonder when England will wake up the the BLOODY TORIES and see that they are trying to get rid of every sector in the PUBLIC Sector and hand it over to the private sector.

It's not that bad - only very occasional. As for Scots having their fill of Tories, that's what scares me about the independence referendum. We rely on the Scots to counterbalance the idiocy of the Tory-believers in the shires!

skwalker1964 wrote:

Redflag wrote:
Spent last night leafleting - nothing to report apart from the occasional abuse from householders who'd rather not know they're being robbed blind. Some doorknocking tonight, probably - and this afternoon the official opening of the campaign HQ.

Nick Clegg just claimed in PMQs that people can trust the coalition with the economy as I type. The man really does live in an alternative universe.

skwalker1964

Posts: 104
Join date: 2012-05-15

I see your having a bit of a hard time skywalker, sorry but you will get a lot of that at doors I have done it myself, but not as bad as you are getting but then I live in Scotland and we do not vote Tory here we got our belly full of them when the Maggot was in power. I often wonder when England will wake up the the BLOODY TORIES and see that they are trying to get rid of every sector in the PUBLIC Sector and hand it over to the private sector.

It's not that bad - only very occasional. As for Scots having their fill of Tories, that's what scares me about the independence referendum. We rely on the Scots to counterbalance the idiocy of the Tory-believers in the shires!

I have the same worry skywalker, but us Scots are not daft in any form and too be honest Salmond is just another tartan Tory and at the moment we are finding him out. There was a big debate by BBC Scotland last week for 16-17 year olds and they seemed like very bright young adults asking the right questions of the panel plus we have the "Better Together Campaign" led by Alasiter Darling so we should be OK.

As for Scots having their fill of Tories...

Salmond is just another tartan Tory

Spot the contradiction.

Phil Hornby wrote:You appear to be a fine and measured fellow, Steve Walker - and therefore never in danger of suddenly turning into a Tory . Such a fate would be too horrible to contemplate...

Are you trying to give skywaalker Nightmares PH.

Redflag wrote:

Phil Hornby wrote:You appear to be a fine and measured fellow, Steve Walker - and therefore never in danger of suddenly turning into a Tory . Such a fate would be too horrible to contemplate...

Are you trying to give skywaalker Nightmares PH.

Happily, some things are just too unrealistic to lodge even in my unconscious.

skwalker1964 wrote:

Redflag wrote:

Phil Hornby wrote:You appear to be a fine and measured fellow, Steve Walker - and therefore never in danger of suddenly turning into a Tory . Such a fate would be too horrible to contemplate...

Are you trying to give skywaalker Nightmares PH.

Happily, some things are just too unrealistic to lodge even in my unconscious.

To you skywalker, as Labour members and voters we know that the Tories are very unrealistic.

A bit of fun - please see the original at for images and links:

The Tory party has announced its candidate for the Middlesbrough by-election: Stockton solicitor and Conservative councillor Ben Houchen.

Although (understandably) the Tory party doesn’t say so on its website announcement, I’m reliably informed that Mr Houchen was the only applicant for a seat that the Tories must regard as a no-hoper, so it wouldn’t really be accurate to say he’s been selected.

There are a couple of interesting aspects to the quotes surrounding his candidacy. On Mr Houchen’s own blog, he quotes Tory MP for Stockton South, James Wharton:

“Ben is a great candidate with strong links to Middlesborough, after years of taking the people of the town for granted he is the right person to give Labour a real run for their money. I look forward to supporting his campaign over the coming weeks.”

Since it’s likely that he’ll amend the page once he hears about his errors, an image of the page is below as proof, and I’ve also saved it on freezepage.com here.

Mr Houchen is apparently a local boy. As such, he ought to be well aware that if there’s one thing people from Middlesbrough hate, it’s seeing that extra ‘o’ in the town’s name. We may add it in ourselves when we shorten the town’s name, as we often do, to ‘the Boro’, but in the full version there’s only one ‘o’, and we get quite snippy when outsiders get it wrong. So for a local candidate to get it wrong is almost unthinkable – and speaks volumes.

Interestingly, the Tory party’s own announcement of the ‘selection’ doesn’t make the same mistake, so it appears to be Mr Houchen’s own error and not one he’s simply copied and pasted across from his party’s site.

There’s also an interesting ‘Freudian slip’ in James Wharton’s quote. In trying to accuse Labour of neglecting the town, Wharton says:

“Ben is a great candidate..after years of taking the people of the town for granted he is the right person“

The phrasing used – though of course it’s unlikely it’s what he consciously meant to say – clearly means that Mr Houchen has neglected the people of the town for years and that this makes him the right person to represent the Tory party.

Perhaps that explains the misspelling.

It doesn’t go far enough, though. The Tories have not just taken Middlesbrough for granted – they’ve tried constantly to undermine and impoverish the town to punish it for its Labour heritage and take away its resources to allocate them to somewhere that will vote Tory.

Labour may have taken the town for granted as a safe seat for a long time under Stuart Bell, but new candidate Andy McDonald is making very sure he doesn’t make the same mistake. I was door-knocking with him on Saturday in the Thorntree, and he told me that his campaign plan will mean that every house in the town should receive a personal visit from either Andy himself or a representative.

Andy McDonald campaigning in Thorntree

The perception of most people in the town may be that a Labour win is a foregone conclusion (as it well should be, given how the town is shafted by the Tories at every opportunity), but Andy and the Labour party are taking nothing for granted. Andy’s a local man who’s passionate for the town and its people – and who’d never misspell ‘Middlesbrough’! – and he and Labour are doing everything possible to make sure local people are galvanised to get out and vote in numbers way beyond the usual by-election turnout level. He’s definitely not going to be a mere seat-filler in Westminster, and by opening a full-time constituency office in Middlesbrough he’s going to ensure that Labour has the visibility in the town that it should have.

So, if you live locally, put 29 November in your diary and make sure you get out and vote Labour – and if you can’t get out, there’s still time to apply for your postal vote to make sure you don’t miss the chance to have your say.

And better still, get down to Labour’s campaign office at 255 Linthorpe Road, share in the buzz and help with doorknocking, delivering campaign leaflets, making phone-calls or just compiling campaign materials. The town deserves a representative whose heart is in Middlesbrough’s best interests – and who has the right number of ‘o’s!

Another good post skywalker, and very true but not very funny for the people of Middlesbrough, I hope you make sure the residents of Middlesbrough see this and then they can let the bloody tories get the rough end of there tongue for being so EFFING NASTY.

Cameron Deals with that Error

( telegraph.co.uk)

" This is an innocent mistake which any Tory who couldn't care less about the plebs in that area could make . Where is this Middlesbruff, anyway...?"