THE SOCIALIST Party scored two brilliant victories in the local elections in England. Dave Nellist and Ian Page were both re-elected as councillors, Dave in Coventry and Ian in Lewisham, London.
Commenting on his result in Coventry Dave said:
“We scored a quarter of a percent more than in 1998 when we first won the seat in St Michael’s. We’ve now won four elections in a row in that ward and our votes in the other areas show we’re beginning to set down roots in all parts of the city. This is an answer to all those who tried to write us off four years ago as a flash in the pan.
“The key to our success has been the clear socialist opposition we’ve provided to privatisations and PFI, to school closures and housing demolitions. The number of surgeries we’ve organised and the involvement we’ve had in a number of new residents’ and community organisations built up over the last couple of years in St Michael’s, was also important.”
Martin, a teacher involved in Ian’s campaign in Lewisham told The Socialist:
“Ian’s victory was a remarkable success. The votes for the Socialist Party candidates, Ian and Sam Dias, were hundreds more than they previously received.
“The Socialist Party worked alongside local parents campaigning for a new school in the area and against school selection. When socialist candidates are rooted in the campaigns of the local community, voter disgust at the main parties can be translated into victories for socialist parties at the ballot box.”
The Socialist Party has a proven record of fighting for the interests of working class and young people in the communities, workplaces and colleges. If you’ve had enough of New Labour Tory policies, if you want a fighting alternative to low pay, privatisation, cuts and all the problems that we face under this capitalist, profit system – join the Socialist Party and fight with us for a better future.