Sticking to socialist principles, looking after the community


LOCAL STOKE-on-Trent councillors, Paul and Dave Sutton have opted
out of the Labour Party and taken a socialist stance.
Sick of increasing cuts and privatisation, the brothers want to
truly represent the needs of working-class people in the area.
Helen Blakeman spoke to Dave and Paul Sutton – Socialist Party
councillors in Stoke

Paul SuttonPaul
and Dave feel that New Labour have sold out to right-wing values but
they are not prepared to compromise their beliefs in looking after the
community. They have recognised the need for a new party as there is no
existing one that represents the everyday working-class men and women,
and all other parties have become the same.

"The important factor about the Campaign for New Workers’
Party is that it can unite all socialists together, that’s what we
need, we don’t need a power struggle," Paul said.

"In effect we should all be singing from the same hymn sheet
so there is a need to unite trade unions, community groups and others
who want to fight back." He added that "industrial action
would create solidarity. A three-day strike against the attacks on
pensions, for example, would certainly put the frighteners on the
Labour Party."

Paul is now standing as the Socialist Alternative candidate for Abbey
Green Ward in Stoke-on-Trent in the local elections. He feels that one
problem may be moving working-class people away from Labour. However,
the current political climate is leaving many feeling let down and the
ideas of socialism are becoming a viable option.

After years as councillors, the brothers have built up a rapport with
the local community. They will continue keeping the community as central
to their work by going out and talking to people about issues that are
important to them.

Dave Sutton explained:

Dave Sutton"MPs
say we’ll cut crime, we’ll stop drug dealing, we’ll get you better
homes, but the money just isn’t provided. They bought in this idea of
bringing houses up to a decent standard of living. They conducted the
‘better homes’ survey and householders were told they needed this,
this and this, but when it came to it the money just wasn’t there.

"There are people in my ward who have been waiting for 15
months for radiators. People are sick and tired of the lies and empty
promises. We as councillors are prepared to stand by our principles
and look after the interests of our community."