I want to join like-minded people on the council, such as anti-cuts councillors, Keith Morrell and Don Thomas, who put principles first, rather than lining their own pockets.

In the face of Con-Dem cuts, people in Woolston are increasingly unhappy with the way local Labour councillors have voted through cuts to Sure Start, local libraries and the Woolston Youth Centre.

As well as having a hard-working local councillor, electing a third anti-cuts councillor in Southampton would send a powerful message to the political establishment in Southampton: 'It doesn't have to be like this - there is a choice - enough is enough.'

The bedroom tax will hit many Woolston ward residents. We have met many people worried about how it will affect them.

Last month the two Coxford ward rebel councillors proposed that the council remove the threat of eviction if a tenant falls into arrears because they are unable to pay the bedroom tax increase in their rent.

With a large majority, you would think Labour councillors would have backed their verbal opposition to the Bedroom Tax with decisive action to end the financial stress and anxiety many families currently face, yet they voted with the Tories and Lib Dems to oppose the motion.

If elected, I will play my part in the campaign to force the government to repeal this spiteful tax on those least able to afford it.

This year's council budget saw £1 million axed from the Sure Start programme across Southampton. Parents are furious about the cuts to these services, where staff have been cut along with money for children's trips.

Woolston library has had its opening hours cut by one day a week. The Save Southampton Youth Services campaign fought hard to stop the closure of the local youth centre in Woolston.

While a reprieve for a year has been won, its sessions have been cut from three to one a week.

How many of these services will disappear next year unless Labour councillors stand up and refuse to implement the Con-Dem cuts?

On the day after this byelection, Labour will still have a majority whatever the result. What is the point of electing one more Labour councillor who will put their hand up for Con-Dem cuts? Every vote we receive will be a powerful message to Labour councillors, 'Stand up and fight the cuts, or step aside for those who will!'

The Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) is an electoral alliance that stands candidates against all cuts and privatisation.

It involves the RMT transport workers' union, leading members of other trade unions including the PCS, NUT and POA and socialist groups including the Socialist Party.

www.tusc.org.uk

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Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.

Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.

We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.