Pushing against an open door in Norwich

By James Valentine

A first major test for the coalition arrives on September 9th in terms of the council by-elections in Norwich. Based on my experience, there are some encouraging signs for Labour. I haven’t been able to get up there so I’ve been phoning electors. Although phoning people is not a method I prefer, you don’t get the “false positives” that occur on the doorstep, when if you smile at people (and especially if you’re wearing a suit) Tories will sometimes say that they support you. On the phone, they can just tell you to go away.

In the ward that I’ve been working, it’s been like pushing at an open door. Although I have been adopting the recommended neutral approach, Labour voters have been falling over themselves to tell me how loyal they are to Labour and how much they dislike the coalition. The cuts to elderly peoples’ benefits have clearly got under the electors’ skins and are mentioned most often as an issue. I have come across just one Green in the entire ward, even though the Greens infested Norwich during the European elections and at one point we risked losing our candidate.

The poll is a consequence of the ConDem government’s dismantling of the new Norwich Unitary authority, bringing about thirteen ward by-elections. Norwich has been forced to hold these elections following a judicial review instigated by Norfolk County Council. Exactly the same situation arises in Exeter where by-elections are being held for the same reason. Those of us living and campaigning in the East of England are still reeling from the atrocious general election result which means we have just two MPs left. These elections will hopefully strengthen the minority Labour administration in Norwich City Council but there’re also an opportunity for East of England activists generally to “get even” with the Tories.

One must sound a note of caution. Recent by-elections held across the East have not, so far, shown a clear trend to Labour. Some of the people who are now declaring themselves to be strongly Labour appeared to have voted against Labour in the general election, so if we are to win back parliamentary seats we have to ask ourselves why this is the case. Could it merely be that another government is responsible for difficult issues like immigration, for example? If this is the case, the task still remains for Labour in how to work these issues out and promulgate them effectively.

And declaring an identification with Labour is not the same as turning out to vote. Political activists get very excited by council by-elections but for most of the electorate they are a bore; it could all fail on the back of a low turnout. That’s why more effort is needed as we approach polling day to get out the vote and why I’ll be up in Norwich all day on polling day.

Please contact Norwich Labour Party on 01603 622107 or visit Membersnet to get more details about the campaign.