In recent weeks I have found myself in a WhatsApp group with a flood of photos coming in from sun-drenched climes. Pictures of lovely people, cloudless skies and a most astonishing array of urban cafes!
Where is this paradise? Have my in-laws been messaging me from the glorious Philippines? Have I stumbled into an exhibition of Mark Valladares photos of European capitals staging Liberal International meetings?
No, the travelogue I have been enjoying is from North Acton ward, London Borough of Ealing where a by-election takes place on June 25. Arguably, in my 35 years of witnessing council by-elections, one of the sunniest, busiest and cheeriest by-elections by far.
The outstanding Lib Dem candidate is 27 year old Abdikhaliq Ahmed. Having worked with Abdi for 18 months in a constituency/parliamentary office I know he has a humble charisma, bags of energy and a wonderful connection with the area where he grew up.
There are lots of council by-elections coming up in the next two weeks. Many, it appears, caused by Green or Reform councillors who have resigned after just a few days. So, whether they are in a close contest like Abdi, or just flying the flag of the bird of liberty so voters have a choice – here’s to all our wonderful by-election candidates and their fantastic teams.
Why not give this weekend’s BBQ and football a miss in order to give them a hand? Contact [email protected] for more information.
* Ruth Bright has been a councillor in Southwark and Parliamentary Candidate for Hampshire East
Follow @libdemvoice.org on Bluesky
Like us on Facebook
Subscribe to our feed
Sign-up for our daily email digest
Latest voting intention and leadership ratings opinion polls
More missing scientists: Remembering the GEC-Marconi deaths panic of the late Eighties
Makerfield: we can breathe again.
Brexit has cut trade in almost every sector of the UK economy
Mohammed Amin
Tom Bailey
Tristan Ward
Tristan Ward