“I know what it’s like to need a Labour Government” – Flint campaign releases hustings speech as campaign video
Share this article:
Caroline Flint has today published a new video as part of her campaign to become Labour’s deputy leader. The video, which is just a couple of minutes long, shows a closing speech Flint gave at one of the party’s official hustings, in which she explains the personal story that led her to the Labour Party.
The Shadow Energy Secretary reveals how she was raised by a single mother, never met her real father, and left home twice as a teenager – “the second time because of my mum’s alcoholism – an illness that would kill her”. In the speech, she says:
“By my mid-twenties I was on my own with two children under two. I know what it’s like to need a Labour Government.
“To be on benefits. To worry about money. To need a job and childcare. A secure roof over your head.
“I joined the Labour Party at 17 – never thinking I would be an MP. I have never had a sense of entitlement. Over 30 years in the Party and as a trade unionist – I still work to prove myself.”
Do you value LabourList’s coverage? We need your support.
Our independent journalists have been on the ground during this local and by-election campaign, which marks the first key electoral test of Keir Starmer’s government.
We’ve been out and about with Labour activists and candidates across the country from Bristol to Hull, and will soon be heading to Cambridgeshire and Lancashire – as well as Runcorn and Helsby. We’ve also polled readers for their views on the campaign.
More from LabourList
Event: What do the Labour Missions mean for babies? Join leading Labour figures and experts on 15 May, 12.30pm
‘Labour is right to revisit winter fuel. But it needs a wider reset of messaging’
‘Labour must expose the gap between Reform’s local ambition and ability’