Why we’re standing for TUSC on 1 May
The country has been left on its knees by 14 years of Tory rule. It is a time which will be remembered for cuts, hypocrisy and an increasing detachment from the lives of ordinary people.
Now that we have a Labour government, they have decided to balance the budget on the backs of some of the most vulnerable people in society. All this will do is create fear, poverty and worsening mental health. This has been tried before by the Tories. It had dire consequences then and so I am at a loss as to how Labour politicians can try to justify it again.
Working-class people in North Staffordshire know that we are not represented by any of the major parties, and without a real alternative, Reform seem to be gaining support. But they don’t offer any way forward for working-class communities.
If we want to win the funding for services we need and prevent the rise of the right, then we need to fight for a working-class alternative that says the super-rich should be made to pay, not the working class.
I think there is a very real need for people to see a socialist candidate on their ballot paper. I feel it is more important now than at any time in my adult life.
Becky Carter, TUSC candidate for Kidsgrove, Staffordshire County Council
In 2024, Oxford was reported to have the highest rents of any city in England and Wales outside of London. At times, it feels like a struggle just to survive. Few employers are willing to pay even the living wage of £13.16 an hour; it is hardly surprising that the city has one of the highest numbers of rough sleepers relative to its population. The need for fully funded public services has never been greater.
Unfortunately, while certain Oxford county councillors have voiced their disapproval with central government for failing to provide adequate funding, none have taken steps to demand more. Not only that, but they have voted to increase council tax by 4.99% – the maximum allowed increase without a referendum – for the third year in a row!
Meanwhile there are planned cuts to adult social services. The council budget is plainly another attack on the working class whilst the wealth of the bosses is protected. The working class should not have to tolerate this, which is why I will be standing as one of seven Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition candidates in Oxfordshire. We fight all proposed cuts and demand that central government foots the bill. Demand fighting socialist councillors and vote TUSC!
Hannah Chapman, TUSC candidate for Bartlemas, Oxfordshire County Council
The Socialist Party is part of the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition. To see all 102 TUSC candidates visit tusc.org.uk
