Campaigning for Labour Candidate Keir Cozens in Great Yarmouth

This Saturday and Sunday, Gill and I were in Great Yarmouth to canvass and leaflet for Keir. The train cost only £45 for the two of us (with railcard) return. We stayed in a cheap & cheerful B&B near Britannia Pier. I have been working off and on in Norfolk supporting UNISON members since 2007 (my LGPS pension is looked after by the Norfolk pension fund). Great Yarmouth, also always reminds me of living in Colwyn Bay, North Wales as a boy.

Keir and his team were super friendly and welcoming. A well organised office, refreshments, no waiting around or confusion. On Saturday afternoon I went to a small village with a canvass team and enjoyed some decent political conversations (and ice creams!).  The weather was warm and sunny. 

Sunday, was unexpectedly damp and I had to buy a new cagoule on way to 10.30 start. This time I went with a team to an adjacent resort, while Gill delivered leaflets. Our star team member was Labour attack dog, Aubrey (see photo top right).  Again some more good political conversations including a UNISON local government member who was very supportive. 

There was difficult conversations as well. A few residents were disenchanted with all parties, many said they have never been door knocked before and were somewhat pleased we were there to speak to them, despite the rain. One resident however, demanded a "dry" leaflet but at that stage they were all pretty soggy. Overall though, another positive canvass. 

In the afternoon I helped Gill finish off her leaflet round. It was along the coast and there was a band playing in the distance and glorious views over the beach. We were dropped off and picked up promptly when we finished. Canvassing was halted at 4pm for the England Euros game. 

If at all possible, London Labour supporters should get themselves out of London in the next few days and into the winnable battlegrounds outside. 25% of all Labour members live in London (not a great statistic which needs to be worked upon). There are more than enough members in London for our marginal and target seats (candidates will of course disagree). On polling day itself, Keir will need all the help they can get. 

Would recommend if you do come to Great Yarmouth and you stay overnight that you check out Misha - Indian & Bangladeshi Dining (misharestaurant.co.uk). We had one of our best meals in a long time here. 

Supporting Uma and Liz in Forest Gate North

 

This evening I joined Liz Cronin (3rd from left) who is standing in the local Council by election being held the same day as the General election. Forest Gate North is my home ward (I represent West Ham as a Newham Councillor). Uma Kumaran  is standing to be our MP for Stratford & Bow. 

The canvass went well and being Forest Gate, there was some lively political discussions about whether or not, Keir Starmer was sufficiently left" for them to vote Labour. When it is pointed out that the future choice of prime minister, is between either Keir or Rishi, then I think most realise that you have to vote Labour to get rid of the Tories. 

I met a young first time voter who was delighted that we had called to speak to him and was really excited about taking part in the election and voting Labour. 

It was good to come across some very well maintained social housing blocks whose communal areas where kept to a very high standard. 

I was also put in my place, very firmly, when I asked a resident if he will be voting for "Labour" next week, who replied he will be voting for his Party next week, which of course is called the Labour Party but is his Party. The loyalty and self identification of so many voters with the Labour Party is humbling. We need to always demonstrate that we deserve this trust. 

On Saturday and Sunday I am off to Great Yarmouth  to support the Labour Candidate, Keir Couzens, who I have heard so many positive reports about and will encourage all of us, who have been asked by the Party to show solidarity, to do so in the next few days, if at all possible.