Ruth Bright

A bit of hope

By | Fri 19th June 2026 - 7:30 pm

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

Read more by or more about .
This entry was posted in Op-eds.
Advert

3 Comments

  • David Warren 19th Jun '26 - 10:40pm

    I have just finished telephone canvassing in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, moving onto Kinwarton ward in Stratford Upon Avon.

    Happy to help in future contests if required.

  • Ruth Bright 19th Jun '26 - 10:58pm

    Wow David, that’s great.

  • Mahmood Faiz 20th Jun '26 - 9:59pm

    While canvassing for Abdi, one constituent said to me:

    “I have already voted. All the neighbours are talking about what a great person Abdi is. Win or lose, please tell him not to give up.”

    In all my years of canvassing, I have never had anyone say something like that to me before.

Post a Comment

Lib Dem Voice welcomes comments from everyone but we ask you to be polite, to be on topic and to be who you say you are. You can read our comments policy in full here. Please respect it and all readers of the site.

To have your photo next to your comment please signup your email address with Gravatar.

Your email is never published. Required fields are marked *

*
*
Please complete the name of this site, Liberal Democrat ...?

Advert

Recent Comments

  • Peter Davies
    @Rob Heale: You can't really end poverty through taxation unless your tax system unless you include rebates for those without enough income to pay tax. That's k...
  • Alex Macfie
    Take on Big Tech — properly. Not with user bans and age verification. Not only are these shockingly paternalistic and illiberal, but they wil...
  • Rob Heale
    The boldest option would be to adhere to our aims set out in the Party Constitution to be free from poverty. People living in poverty can rarely be free because...
  • Chris Moore
    Battling on against the current with scarce means or attention from the media. Excellent radical liberal focussing on the issues that really matter. An...
  • Adam
    4,700 Jewish soldiers fought for the Prussian army in the Franco Prussian war. They fought with distinction - many of them received the Iron Cross. When Germany...