I am no big fan of George Galloway. His comments that rape allegations against Julian Assange were nothing but “bad sexual etiquette” and his attacks against his female opponent at the 2015 general election showed he is not only a hard left, Brexit-supporting political dinosaur, but has deeply disturbing views towards women. Meanwhile his political approach, based on dividing communities instead of bringing them together, is the polar opposite of that of the Liberal Democrats. So I’m looking forward to taking on his controversial views head on in the campaign ahead. I am confident that the people of Manchester Gorton, a diverse and tolerant area where people from all over the world run along well together, will firmly reject Galloway’s divisive politics.
But there can be no doubt that Galloway’s decision to run does boost our chances. He may have no chance of winning, but he will no doubt take away votes directly from Labour. That leaves us, as the only party able to beat Labour here, in an even stronger position. And it seems the bookies agree, with the odds being slashed that we could pull off a stunning victory here in Manchester Gorton from 9 to 1 at the start of the campaign to just 5 to 1.
We have been strong here in the past, with Lib Dem councillors in every ward over the last 11 years. There is a real possibility that we could achieve something incredible. But to do that, I need your help. So wherever you are, please do get involved, whether it’s delivering leaflets or making a few calls. People in Manchester are sick and tired of being neglected by the Labour-run city council and let down by this Conservative Brexit government. They deserve a party that will stand up for them, both locally and nationally, and ensure their voice is heard.
George Galloway is just looking for another platform for his overblown ego and to air his toxic views. The Labour party candidates are more interested in fighting amongst themselves than talking to local residents. They see Manchester Gorton as a sure ticket towards a successful political career. They want a Labour victory here because it would mean nothing would need to change. Labour could continue to ignore the concerns of local residents, from rising crime to fly-tipping, and to wave through the Conservative government’s hard Brexit plans. We owe it to local residents to prove them wrong, and show that Labour cannot take the votes of people in Manchester for granted.
* Jackie Pearcey is the Liberal Democrat candidate in the Manchester Gorton by-election. She was a councillor in the constituency for 20 years.
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11 Comments
Jackie , an excellent candidate , deserving of victory.
I wrote about my opinion of Galloway yesterday.
That ludicrous character deserves a good candidate to really show him up for what he is. An opportunist throughout. Play by the rules , fair play , not play the game. And this way, our way now as a party more than ever and more than others , can expose the likes of him for what he is.
And the government for what it , alas , is. And the opposition for what it most definitely is not , which is a government of any sort at all !
Go for it Jackie !!
Good luck Jackie
Ruth and I will be rooting for you from S. America. Hope to meet Jackie Peacey MP at autumn conference. Mick and Ruth
I can’t go to Gorton but will send a donation if there is a local campaign fund and an address to send it to.
@ Robert
Think this is the info you were after
Donate online:
JackiePearcey.org.uk/donate
Thanks
Jackie, I will be over in Gorton from Northenden later today!
Our campaign got off to a terrific start, with a highly efficient HQ operational in record time; on the A6 main street of Levenshulme, opposite the chippy – perfect!
Jackie, you also now have a sitting MEP as the Labour candidate. Here is how the Labour List announced it early this morning:
23rd March, 2017 7:56 am
“Labour’s candidate for the forthcoming Gorton by-election will be Afzal Khan, the current North West MEP. He will go into the contest for the seat as the hot favourite, with the seat considered ultra-safe for Labour.”
Ahem, Labour List are foolish to crow that the seat is “Ultra-Safe for Labour”. That is absolutely not the mood on the doorstep. Mancunians are ashamed of Labour being divided nationally and indeed locally; and having a tug-of-war with itself being both for and against Brexit at the same time (!*?). Selecting an MEP as candidate was brave but quite foolish, as having a sitting MEP as candidate will lose Labour shed-fulls of votes by him jumping ship. He is doing his personal BREXIT ahead of the Tories! How Labour strive to get traction and credibility in their campaign will be fascinating to watch. I’ll be in Gorton later today to do deliveries and we should now pile on the pressure to defeat Labour’s sitting MEP.
See you at Gorton, folks.
Even Labour List could not paper over the cracks in Labour:
“Khan beat his nearest rival Yasmine Dar by 32 votes, with him receiving 235 votes to Dar’s 203. Dar was backed by Manchester and Trafford Momentum, and Khan received the backing of the majority of the trade unions – including Unite, GMB, CWU, Aslef, Usdaw and Unison.”
http://labourlist.org/2017/03/afzal-khan-mep-selected-as-labours-candidate-for-manchester-gorton/
Sorry PJ but that’s national HQ and I prefer to donate locally, by cheque, as I was able to in Stoke.
Hi Robert – if you’d like to donate to the campaign then cheques should be made out to the agent John Skipworth and sent to the local office address: 815 Stockport Road, Manchester, M19 3BS
Many thanks!
Hmm!
That’s where I sent the money. Hopefully it will filter through.
Well try cheques to
815 Stockport Road, Manchester. M19 3BS
Made payable to:
‘Manchester Gorton, Central and Blackley Liberal Democrats’.
Maybe somebody can explain the way the finances are distributed.
Thanks Paul and the cheque is in the post!
Donation web sites are set up so the money is ring-fenced for the by-election being donated to.
I’ve been familiar with Galloway for far longer than I care, but consistent throughout that time has been his sense of his own importance, and love of bluster. IMO, he has few redeeming features as an actual politician, but he is very good at capturing the attention of the media, and presenting himself as an anti-establishment, man of the people. I’m not sure how many will fall for that come election day, but I predict the local papers will give him disproportionate attention, which I suspect is reward enough for him.
That could work to Jackie’s benefit, as I believe that the more attention the election gets in the local and national papers, the more attention for Jackie, and the more attention for the idea that not voting Labour is a viable option.