Making an impact in Huddersfield

Jackie Grunsell, Save Huddersfield NHS campaign councillor in 2006, photo Alison Hill

"IT'S A shame that they don't have a column on the voting paper that says 'none of the above' when you go to vote" was the comment of one voter who summed up the mood of hundreds of people we met on the Easter weekend of action in Huddersfield.

Mike Forster

Every day over Easter we canvassed and ran stalls in support of the re-election of Jackie Grunsell to Kirklees council. Slowly we are starting to make an impact although one or two were startled to find us on their doorstep at 10.30am on Easter morning. One very generous supporter invited all nine of us into his house for a warming cup of tea and biscuits!

There has been very little opposition to our ideas and leaflets, but people remain very sceptical of the whole political system, and politicians in particular. There is understandable anger against the bankers, corrupt MPs and the government.

Our challenge is to cut through the cynicism people feel and ensure they turn out in force to return Jackie Grunsell for a second term. Voters also need convincing that there is an alternative to the cuts agenda being rammed down everyone's throats by the mainstream parties.

Our overwhelmingly young canvassing teams are up to the challenge and are impressing voters with their enthusiasm, understanding and commitment to the cause. If these alone were the ingredients to win elections, we would be already home and dry.

The campaign has really only just begun. Already we have knocked on every door in Jackie's Crosland Moor and Netherton ward, and our canvass card returns show a healthy level of support for a second victory. We will now be returning to every household again to catch up on all those who were out and reassure those people who are still undecided that there really is only one candidate worth voting for.

Not a single day will be wasted between now and 6 May! Over the weekend, over 60 copies of The Socialist were sold and £70 was raised for our fighting fund.

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Huddersfield demo to save Sure Start centres

Kirklees Sure Start children centres

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Huddersfield & Halifax Socialist Party: Iceland, the default

Jackie Grunsell:

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Leeds Socialist Party International Womens Day public meeting

Hull Socialist Party International Womens Day public meeting

Women will be at the fore in the fightback!