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I’ve been a vocal advocate for social justice, trade union rights and anything that would stop the awful right wing slide for my entire adult life. I’ve been a member of the Labour Party for seven.
I have finally decided that it’s time to put my money where my mouth is. I am very realistic about my chances; it’s a Tory stronghold area. But I’ve basically been on the losing side of every election since I could vote, so I’m used to losing. You never know though, one day…
Any advice or thoughts are welcome, but just wanted to share really. Wish me luck!
Time to get the Tories out.
Strange coincidence, I was mulling standing as an independent while walking the dog and listening to a Martin Lewis podcast today.
He was asked how ministers could be seen to be worthy of trust, but the crux of his reply was you have to be “trustworthy” and people feel politicians are not trustworthy as they have to toe the party line.
On that basis I think the only option is to stand as an independent. No idea how to do it though!
Don't tell anyone you ride bike, or the tory gammon's will never vote for you.
As its all lies, election promises I mean, tell them you'll ban cycling in the city center, and round up any foreign people who try to move to the area.
Presumably your local party sort out flyers and posters?
In which case its a matter of banging on doors, convincing people that you couldn't possibly be as shit as a Tory, and face a lot of rejection.
Best of luck. You're to be admired, whether you are successful or not. Too many of us moan but do nothing about it
Nice one, get the party to give you a list of willing people who can help deliver leaflets and attend listening sessions. I'm one of the willing, our councillor has us all in a whatsapp group and we help out where we can.
It can be done, Labour control our council now, the first labour councillor for fourty years was elected five years ago.
My nephew recently got elected as a Labour councillor.
He had a few goes but before being successful as they make you "cut your teeth" on areas you will never win, until you get a shot at something winnable. Even with his background as an ex-RN Officer and Afghanistan "veteran".
No idea how to do it though!
it’s basically an arcane, repetitive form that you get from the council, you need a proposer and a seconder, and you need to be eligible, which is either live or have business in the nearby area (not necessarily the ward you want to stand in mind you). If you do it independently then it all falls on you, if you are a political party member then you are supported by an election agent of the party and you get to use their logos etc. it’s all very 1970s and ripe for an overhaul to be honest. This election will be the first to require photo ID at the polling station too, talk about decks being stacked…
I am very realistic about my chances; it’s a Tory stronghold area. But I’ve basically been on the losing side of every election since I could vote, so I’m used to losing. You never know though, one day…
Any advice or thoughts are welcome, but just wanted to share really. Wish me luck!
Whilst it would be crazy to expect to win in those circumstances you need to have a bit of a plan if you do - and I don't mean politically, the party will sort all that out. We had a local candidate who always stood in every election and did OK but clearly was never going to win. They stood at the last election and ended up a councillor. I'm not sure who was more shocked, her or the tory guy who had expected to get the seat? BUT she didn't seem to have a plan, she ran a small business and I know one of her employees who said next time she came in everyone was very excited for her and she just looked terrified. I spoke to her in her business capacity a few months after she was elected and she just seemed exhausted. It is a huge time commitment so you need to work out how you would do it.
anything that would stop the awful right wing slide for my entire adult life
Y'know you have to get (some of) these people to vote for you if you want to be successful? Might be better off trying to understand their views and working towards a compromise? Just a thought anyway.
Gently remind people they need very specific photo ID, a Voter Authority Certificate, or a postal vote in order to vote... Thanks to an recent, absurd Tory change https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id
Y’know you have to get (some of) these people to vote for you if you want to be successful?
it’s a really reasonable point, but I don’t think that the current hard right politics being implemented by the incumbent government really represent the majority. When I engage with individuals I find that many times they are far more socially liberal than they maybe realise; I’m fairly sure that if people were allowed to sit down, read policies and make reasonable decisions based on what they feel is right and fair, absent of being bombarded by warped messages from a toxic media and commentators every hour of every day, we’d have a very different government in charge.
I also think that, more than before, people are starting to see through the gaslighting, and that’s why Labour have a 26% lead.
Basically, I think most people are decent, reasonable human beings, given a chance. Just not the Tory 1%ers.
Tory strong hold eh ? Get a contract out on all the old retirees, they are helping ruin this country. Most 'working' people can't stand the Tory scumbags.
Good luck.
From the battering the local councillors get on my village FB group over every petty thing
You need a very thick skin. It is MENTAL how personalised and bonkers online is.
It is MENTAL how personalised and bonkers online is.
Well, at least he's on here practising for that
Good for you. Local councils are the foundation of democracy and they need people like you standing for election.
I've recently left local authority work after nearly 20 years. Some of my tips.
Knock on doors and talk to people. At local level a lot of votes are based on personality and relationships.
Campaign on local issues. Hospitals, school closure, whatever. Local elections are won and lost on local issues, much more so than association with national issues. Just saying you are standing against Tory is not enough
Understand that council can shut schools, close services and raise council tax, but never, ever mess with wheelie bins. Councillors will win and lose seats on wheelie bins, parking, speed limits, dog shit and pot holes. They are the key issues for the great electorate (and never try to argue otherwise)
If elected:
Be clear it is a poorly paid second job, it will use a huge amount of your time.
Understand you will never, ever make everyone happy. If you set out to do so you will fail
Don't read comments on Facebook posts, especially on posts about council put up by local newspapers. It is the wild west and will make you want to hurt people.
Develop relationships with Council officers, they will make your life a lot easier, you can will in turn make their life easier.
Good luck. It was our constituency candidate selection meeting last night. Our lot sound like they've a lot more chance than you, but you never know. At least you're trying though.
I've been out leafletting and door knocking but no way would I stand, so I admire those who do. You're going to hear a lot about wheeley bins and pot holes 😂
Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
I saw on the BBC that cocaine production has reached an all time high, I assume that is the suppliers anticipating your ascent to power.
What franksinatra said. At a local level, it matters more what you do/promise on local issues than which party you represent.
You also will need to work with others - that's really important. It's about building a consensus for action as the wheels turn slowly and deliberately.
Again, focus on what you will do, not how bad the other guy is and knock a lot of doors, go to local events, meet people. Just get your name out. As a newbie, you have nothing to lose.
Again, at a local level, I wouldn't take social media too seriously. Your best weapon is face-to-face interaction and meeting people.
Dogshit
Potholes
Immigrants
were the classic 'big three' we used to get!
my brother's a labour counciller in his local area, has been for a few rotations now. He started off by being put up for election as an MP where I live (aged 25 or so) - needless to say its a tory stronghold so he didn't get in..
I think he enjoys it, its a bit of a drag on his time, and I think its very much a small cog in a big machine, but he likes nudging things where he can. His council is (just) labour majority which probably helps
Best of luck, you can have my vote, anything's better than Gavin and his cronies. The local lib dem is trying to get some recognition locally (they need it) by taking selfies of himself and the pot holes & telling everyone on Facebook..
Assuming your standing for our ward, this was the 2021 results..
Labour: 453 votes
Green Party: 546 votes
Conservative: 2911 votes – Elected
Thats a hell of an uphill
@chevychase, Ha! I’ve made the exact same observations about people wanting to be managers at work, too. I am now one of those managers and some of my greatest job satisfaction comes from being a manager for staff, rather than against as I observe so many of my contemporaries being.
So maybe, just maybe I could be one of those exceptions that prove the rule.
Forgot to say that Labour high command should be able to give you decent resources like an electoral register, voting intention, household information, demographics by area etc - can be useful when door knocking
Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
I saw on the BBC that cocaine production has reached an all time high, I assume that is the suppliers anticipating your ascent to power.
I don't think he's Gove
@v8ninety You've got plenty of electoral experience, what can go wrong?
Tory strong hold eh ? Get a contract out on all the old retirees, they are helping ruin this country. Most ‘working’ people can’t stand the Tory scumbags.
I'll work on them and the wedding barges, @molgrips can distribute propaganda and everyone else can alternate between CZ's and driving cows until polling day.
NKL for the win!
Dogshit
Potholes
Immigrants
were the classic ‘big three’ we used to get!
Don't forget a mandatory hi-viz, done a poo pose and lots of pointing.
I'm not left wing, or a Labour voter, but great to see someone getting involved with helping their local community, so good luck and hope it all goes well.
Actually, that's one of the frustrating things about our voting system. A candidate might be brilliant and hard working, but a lot of people won't vote for them because they are the wrong party. A particular problem at council level where politics shouldn't matter so much. I think I would rather all councillors stood as independent.
Actually, that’s one of the frustrating things about our voting system. A candidate might be brilliant and hard working, but a lot of people won’t vote for them because they are the wrong party. A particular problem at council level where politics shouldn’t matter so much. I think I would rather all councillors stood as independent.
Absolutely agree, it never ceases to amaze me how many people think support for a councillor is support for their party and actually means anything.
Until the People Act 1969 only the candidates names were on ballot papers, not the political party or organisation they represented. It was considered that voters were voting for individuals not their parties.
Obviously it made it more difficult, especially in local elections, if people had to find out the name of the candidate of whatever party they wanted to back. People want to vote on party lines, so Harold Wilson changed the rules when he was Prime Minister.
I'm active in the a Labour party and we got a Labour Councillor elected in our ward for the first time ever last year. We had a 20% swing from the Tories. Across the constituency we won 3 out of 5 and in aggregate a good Labour major. The look on our Tory MP's face at the count as he saw a future hammering in a GE was a beautiful sight.
In terms of tactics. We linked local and national issues where we could. Went big on huge cuts to Local Authorities by central government. Also played up the local credentials of our candidate. Know your electorate, what are they pissed off about, buses/trains, antisocial behaviour, traffic/speeding/parking, environmental issues, green belt, schools etc
On the doorstep last year and even more this year I've never known such a positive response to us and even more a negative response to the Tories.
Obviously there are many places where a victory isn't possible but pushing hard in locals, helps with General Election and puts the fear into the Tories.
Good luck and hope it is a rewarding endeavour. If you win there tends to be more room to be your own person as a councillor than an MP so carry through your values into office
I have finally decided that it’s time to put my money where my mouth is. I am very realistic about my chances; it’s a Tory stronghold area. But I’ve basically been on the losing side of every election since I could vote, so I’m used to losing. You never know though, one day…
Don't be so disheartened, Wokingham, which has NEVER not returned a Conservative MP unless either:
*The Conservatives didn't exist yet
*Wokingham (as a seat) didn't exist.
Now has a Lib-Dem council.
Which means that last night I came home to a tory propaganda piece with John Redwoods face on it telling me how in a mere 6-months they've bankrupted the council, destroyed the roads, etc, etc.
Actually, that’s one of the frustrating things about our voting system. A candidate might be brilliant and hard working, but a lot of people won’t vote for them because they are the wrong party. A particular problem at council level where politics shouldn’t matter so much. I think I would rather all councillors stood as independent.
My mother was a Borough Councillor, she wasn't remotely party political, but the local Tory party thought she would be a good Councillor so asked her if she wanted to stand for them as they had seen how effective she was in other voluntary work. She duly joined the party the day she was put forward as a candidate and significantly increased the previous substantial majority. Her only interest was improving things for the community - hardly discussed national issues.
I am very realistic about my chances; it’s a Tory stronghold area.
Even Tory strongholds are under threat in the current political climate. You should get some positive feedback from falling Tory support.
So even if you fail to succeed in getting elected a big dent in the Tory vote will be satisfying, and a big increase in the Labour vote will wipe the smug look off the Tory candidate's faces.
I have worked hard in election campaigns where the Tories have still managed to win but there has been a massive swing to Labour, it is hugely satisfying. And not least if it occurs on what they consider to be their territory.
Alternatively if it is definitely a no-hoper turn up drunk to the count and threaten to headbutt the geekiest Rees-Mogg looking young Tory.
NKL for the win!
Loving how little sense that has to make to anyone else.
You are local to me I think v8ninety (West Midlands) and I have a problem with the bin collection yesterday.
One of the refuse operatives was whistling whilst carrying out his duties and failed to return my bin to the exact position I left it ready for collection.
This sort of behaviour cannot be condoned and must be addressed immediately.
I await your response to this pressing matter.
Charles Fortescue Blanchard 111
Absolutely agree, it never ceases to amaze me how many people think support for a councillor is support for their party and actually means anything.
We have an excellent local Councillor, really gets involved with local issues, manages to get issues fixed, supports a lot of local groups with publicity and grant funding.
She's a bloody Tory and I'd like to hate her,but she's a bloody good local Councillor
a lot of people won’t vote for them because they are the wrong party. A particular problem at council level where politics shouldn’t matter so much.
Council level politics is still politics. Bins are very important, but councils also do life and death matters like social work, housing, education, road safety, sports, social exclusion, refugee settlement...
If people sign up for a party's platform, it's fair enough to vote for or against them if you don't share their values - esp when councillors vote as electoral blocs.
Speaking from experience, its hard graft, but very rewarding.
My suggestion is to get known as a person locally, rather than just a party. Quite a lot of folk vote for the party at local elections, but a hell of a lot do look at the candidate first.
If you are out, active, sorting stuff and volunteering then that really helps.
Facebook, love it or loath it, is important.
Councils run best when they have intelligent local folk in them, most councils have a lot of this but also a fair number of councillors from major parties in safe seats who often just coast along.
I’ve stood for Labour 5 times in the past and never got more than 90 votes. I am not a winner.
My suggestion is to get known as a person locally, rather than just a party. Quite a lot of folk vote for the party at local elections, but a hell of a lot do look at the candidate first.
If you are out, active, sorting stuff and volunteering then that really helps.
Facebook, love it or loath it, is important.
Councils run best when they have intelligent local folk in them, most councils have a lot of this but also a fair number of councillors from major parties in safe seats who often just coast along.
Couldn't agree more with this. Our local councillor is brilliant and really looks after her community and gets issues sorted.
t councils also do life and death matters like social work, housing, education, road safety, sports, social exclusion, refugee settlement…
All true but, unfortunately, voters still get most animated about wheelie bins and pot holes. At our last council election I made a point of reading off of the candidate flyers. Not one candidate made even a single reference to Social Care, despite it being a defining issue of the current time and the single biggest pressure on Councils.
I’ve basically been on the losing side of every election since I could vote, so I’m used to losing. You never know though, one day…
You lose until you win. Maximum respect
Well done at least you have passed the vetting. I'm one of those ", people in who are willing to help" but I won't put myself forward. I'm friends with a number of councillors and can say they're all dedicated it can be an eighteen hours a day job for little money, less thanks and there is abuse both online and sometimes face to face. However at least two of them love it as they love helping people. Good luck to you
Well done, and good luck. We need more 'normal' people to stand for election. I had a crack at MSP elections (totally unwinnable seats) for the Scottish Parliament a few years back for similar reasons: I got fed up of shouting at the TV and eventually realised I needed to put my money where my mouth is. I lost, obviously, but it was a fascinating experience. Everyone should stand for election at least once in their life!
A friend of mine is about to step down as a Labour councillor, he's done it for nearly 20 years, at one point was tipped for bigger things but I think he decided it wasn't for him and remained as a councillor - I believe he is pretty proud of what he's achieved.
He once told me he completely underestimated just how much time would be spent knocking on doors - at times it was relentless.
I've got huge respect for anybody who gets into politics if their intention is to make a difference to the local community, regardless of the colour. Good luck.
@paulmcg. I never knew that about you! Did you wear proper trousers or did you canvass in your flowery shorts?
I'm a bit of a closet politics geek and full of respect for anyone who chucks their hat in the ring for public office (except Tories, obvs).
In which case its a matter of banging on doors, convincing people that you couldn’t possibly be as shit as a Tory, and face a lot of rejection.
My mother informed me yesterday, that my 78 year old father (labour man and boy) told the local Tory councillor to **** off when he knocked the door recently. He's quite well mannered normally. Shame they didn't have a ring doorbell, would have made a great tiktok 😉
Hey, thanks for remembering this! I lost, but managed to achieve a 17.6% swing towards Labour. Which in an area so blue that they think Gavin Williamson is a fine upstanding chap, I’m gonna take as a moral victory. I’ll try again next time 👍
I’ve been a vocal advocate for social justice, trade union rights and anything that would stop the awful right wing slide for my entire adult life.
Then why are you representing a party that represents none of those things and is utterly complicit in that awful right-wing slide?
Then why are you representing a party that represents none of those things and is utterly complicit in that awful right-wing slide?
Interesting question. I think given the two party system that is currently in place, I’d rather be in the least worst party working with many others in it who share my thinking to steer the boat in such a way that I’d be comfortable with, than outside the party, loudly but ineffectually complaining whilst simultaneously being completely marginalised and disenfranchised.
I don’t make the rules of the game. But if I want to make any difference at all, I’d need to gain a little influence.
I don’t make the rules of the game. But if I want to make any difference at all, I’d need to gain a little influence.
That's fair. It's just depressing that well-meaning and decent people with socialist values see the only realistic political option as being a party that, in its current state, isn't far from the policies and rhetoric of the NF and BNP 20 years ago. Not saying you're necessarily wrong in thinking that, just a horrible consequence of that slide to the right.
in its current state, isn’t far from the policies and rhetoric of the NF and BNP 20 years ago.
Oh come on, the Labour Party??? I am no fan of the present Labour leadership but it is light years away from the vile hatred of the NF and BNP. That sort of comparison simply gives unwarranted credibility to neo-nazis.
I can't personally support the Labour Party with its current leader who publicly, and proudly, claims to be more conservative than the Tories, and has totally recanted on his previous so-called "pledges", but a massive Labour majority after the next next general election would IMO be a massive step forward.
Voters switching from the Tories and the LibDems to Labour always represents a positive move IMO. Although their inevitable disillusionment with a Labour government does carry the risk of strengthening the Tory/right-wing argument.
Which is why IMO there is a crying need for an alternative left-wing party in British politics. Voters need another choice beyond two essentially conservative parties.
I can see a potential path to PR in the next few years, and with it, the opportunity for people to actually oye for what they support, rather than merely against what they detest the most. This could go either way to be honest, but it would be interesting times at least. It’s fair to say that the two party system is rotten to the core though.
Oh come on, the Labour Party??? I am no fan of the present Labour leadership but it is light years away from the vile hatred of the NF and BNP. That sort of comparison simply gives unwarranted credibility to neo-nazis.
It's openly trying to tap into the same sentiments as those groups, just doing it with a tad more subtlety.
A Labour Party in which everything is based around British values and immigration.
The only criticism of the Tory 'send them to Rwanda' policy being that it doesn't go far enough.
A Labour Party that has a general loathing and disdain for the left.
Which vehemently supports freemarkets, military and monarchy.
A party that's moulded itself to be completely in tune with all the raging bile of the British right-wing press.
It's sobering that this is a party that so many reasonable and decent see as their only political option.
You think neo-nazis base their idealogy on "British values"?
I was hoping you might say that I had misunderstood your point and that you weren't claiming the Labour Party "isn’t far" from the policies and rhetoric of the NF and BNP, obviously not.
Which is a shame because comparing a mainstream party like Labour with the far-right makes genuine discussions concerning the threat posed by the far-right (and I don't mean just electorally) more difficult. Plus it makes them sound more credible.
You think neo-nazis base their idealogy on “British values”?
Yep.
"It’s fair to say that the two party system is rotten to the core though."
Have to agree with you about a potential path to PR opening up over the next few years. That it could go either way (as you say) has always been a worry for me though because there was a silver lining in the way the system managed to prevent the far right from gaining seats in Parliament.
That silver lining no longer exists now that the Conservatives have morphed into what is essentially a far right party.
The current silver lining that I'm holding on to is that should Labour fail to win an overall majority they will most likely form a coalition with the Lib Dems, whose price will surely be another stab at proportional representation.
I would be equally happy with either a Labour government or a Lib, Lab pact. A win, win as it were..