Labour so close and yet so far in local elections

To Ian HartFirstly, I must commiserate with you: apparently Brighton went at it hard but couldn't do it and that away goal was just the end. Football is harsh!
By The Newsroom
Published 25th May 2016, 15:17 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 03:01 BST

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It’s very similar to the performance of the Labour Party in Worthing: we (I’m an active member) were second in 6 wards and within 71 votes in 3 of them. As you wrote, the turn-out for these elections is terrible and to be so close is galling: only a few of those who complain could have swung those 3 seats if they had made the effort to take part in their democracy.

I take issue with you about the combination of the other parties though. I agree I want to beat the Tories but this is not simply a negative. I am convinced that the Labour Party standing for outstanding business, good wages, a fairer tax system and a caring, sharing social programme, based on democracy and internationalism, has the ability to rally support and enthuse people.

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I can see the attraction of combining with other parties but I can’t see an electoral alliance with UKIP, in particular, ever coming off; the LibDems did a deal with the Tories and we’re still suffering. I like the Greens; I respect their principled vote and I would urge them to come inside and make the difference but that is as far as I can go.

I am an Evertonian and with football fans everywhere I share membership in the Anti-Man United Fan Club. There has to be an exception though: when United play Liverpool I cheer every goal they score, every point they take. I love it when they beat them!

There is no way I can support Liverpool: there is no way I can support UKIP.

Are you supporting Palace on Saturday? In a gull’s eye!

John Martin

Kithurst Crescent

Goring

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Related topics:LabourBrightonFootballLabour Party