Tim Cutter, Southampton Socialist Party and Bevois ward resident
The magnificent campaign of Socialist Party member Nadia Ditta, and our branch, in the Bevois ward of Southampton shows how new roots are being laid down in the battle against endless austerity.
In two consecutive elections, Nadia has come second standing for the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC). This time getting 739 votes, beating Greens, Reform, Tories, and Lib Dems.
Hundreds have backed the call for an end to cuts, whilst joining successful campaigns to halt closure of the local leisure centre and the Venny play park.
This election’s lightning conductor was the generalised anger at the constant fly-tipping in the area. But also a new and positive wider mood to improve the community by tackling the lack of youth services and addressing the housing crisis.
Whilst we didn’t win, our campaigning approach is restoring confidence. “We can fight and win, whatever”, as I explained to our supporters after the results were announced.
Plans are already in place to demand the restoration of free bulk-waste collections in Bevois and city-wide at the next council meeting. Forced to recognise our campaign’s impact, Labour took up this question on their own election flyers. We will now see how committed they are to deliver.
With six Green councillors now in Southampton, expectations that this can become an anti-austerity platform to challenge further cuts is growing. As Nadia said after: “They cannot take away our voice, the work continues!”
