Every knows somebody with a positive story to tell about campaigning. Indeed thousands of Liberal Democrats go beyond the call of duty. I want to tell the story of Reggie Lane. Reggie, 45 is a long standing member of the Liberal Democrats. A full time wheelchair user, Reggie from ‘The Cray’ in Rochdale was an inspiration in the local election campaign in Rochdale. People talk of a Lib Dem Fightback – Reggie never stops fighting. Both personally and politically.Did you know that during the election, Reggie delivered hundreds of leaflets and target letters to his neighbours. He knocked on hundreds of doors and sat outside a polling station for 12 hours on election day. At the best of times, leafleting is difficult. For Reggie, you can times that by so much more. When he couldn’t get to the letter box – he knocked on!
Reggie has been a member for years. He’s been a paper candidate for us a few times – a job of an unsung hero in itself. This year, Reggie caught the election bug again. Inspired by the drive and enthusiasm of new member Kitt Budd. Kitt is currently studying full-time for a degree in Social Policy at the University of Salford. Reggie has taught her the ropes.
Now everyone in his area – ‘The Cray’ knows Reggie. Indeed – he insisted on his own leaflet endorsing our candidate. The aptly named REGGIE from the CRAY was delivered personally to his neighbours by him and the team. Covering issues like the state of the streets, the lack of investment in the area and much more. Reggie helped double the previous Liberal Democrat vote on a much lower turn out.Kitt Budd, who signed up to the party in February said, “I loved the experience of standing for election. I couldn’t have done it without Reggie. He’s passionate, dedicated and a wonderful human being. Reggie campaigned like mad. He wore himself out at times but loved it. We even ended up in the local paper side by side. Reggie is a bit of a local celebrity. We’ve already written our campaign plan for 2018 and have already started knocking. There’s no time like the present!”
Reggie worked so hard – despite severe limitations. It would take Reggie ages to leaflet as he would often insist on knocking too. Reggie is our Liberal Democrat hero in Rochdale. Long may that continue!
* Cllr Andy Kelly is Lib Dem Group Leader on Rochdale Borough Council and the Liberal Democrat Greater Manchester Mayoral Candidate
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One Comment
This is an inspirational story. Is Reggie going to stand as a Councillor himself, because the party needs more disabled Councillors to help those who aren’t able to be so active?