In news that will surprise nobody, Labour today moved the writ for the Ogmore and Sheffield Brightside & Hillsborough by-elections. It is defending the two seats following the resignation of Huw Irranca-Davies to stand for the Welsh Assembly and the death of Harry Harpham.
This news comes on the day a very welcome poll puts us at 10%, just 1% behind UKIP:
Westminster voting intention:
CON: 36% (-3)
LAB: 34% (+1)
UKIP: 11% (-1)
LDEM: 10% (+4)
GRN: 3% (-)
(via Ipsos Mori / 19 – 22 Mar)— Britain Elects (@britainelects) March 24, 2016
One poll is nothing to get too excited about, but, combined with the trends in local by-elections, it is an encouraging sign. There are certainly worse ways to kick off election season. The fieldwork was conducted in the aftermath of the budget, and may suggest that people are starting to see how much we reined the Tories in when we were in Government.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats announced today that Janet Ellard will fight Ogmore:
Janet spent over 20 years as a modern languages teacher and lecturer and an assistant examiner. She is currently a Volunteer Manager for a youth homeless charity, and until recently volunteered with the Asylum Justice project.
Speaking following her selection, Janet Ellard said:
“I’m delighted to have been chosen by the Welsh Liberal Democrats to contest this by-election and fight for the people of Ogmore.
“I want to spend the campaign listening to people’s concerns across the constituency, and use my experience of working with young homeless people to give a voice to those who can’t speak up for themselves.
“Welsh Liberal Democrats have a strong record of delivering for Ogmore. Our influence in the Assembly secured millions of pounds extra for schools across our area, going straight to help some of our most deprived children fulfil their potential.
“I vow to fight hard to improve local health services which have suffered so badly under 17 years of Labour rule from Cardiff Bay. I will stand against any fracking in Llanharan and push for a much-needed bypass for the town.”
In Sheffield, Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed is the Liberal Democrat candidate, as The Star reports:
Coun Mohammed said: “It is time Labour stopped taking local people for granted.
“I have fought for Sheffield to have a liberal voice all my life. Labour has failed the people of Sheffield by being anti business, our city is open for business and welcomes companies who want to invest here. I will fight to bring jobs to Sheffield and give people employment opportunities so residents can stay and work in Sheffield.
“I will make the positive case for another liberal voice in Sheffield.”
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4 Comments
I was wondering just the other night when these would be. Makes eminent sense for them to be on May the 5th (as they will be, having checked).
I am opposed, in general, to having elections for different levels on government on the same day, because I beleive that it makes it more difficult for the ordinary elector (who is not a political nerd) to see the issues.
However, as someone who was, for 16 years, the governor of a school which was a polling station, I can see why composite polling days are attractive for schools and local authorities.
With City elections in Sheffield at the same time any effort that we put in there would help in one of our flagship councils that we must be targeting over the next couple of years.
‘Reined In the Tories’. The appalling and cruel Bedroom Tax was not ‘reined in’ and I think you will be surprised how many ex or once potential voters remember this. The Tuition fees mess was thought to be the partys most lasting damaging legacy from Coalition I think you will be surprised to learn that the cruel dreaded Bedroom Tax is.