A fortnight ago I was selected as the parliamentary candidate for Hertford and Stortford, a safe Tory seat the other side of the M25 from where I am a councillor in Enfield.
It was a challenging process and proof that democracy is alive and well across the party. I was inspired to apply for the selection because next May we have a rare opportunity; we go to the electorate for the first time in 18 years with a new offer. The Tories are tired, divided and incompetent, whereas Labour is confident, united and on people’s side. Even sections of the electorate who are naturally conservative and traditionally see voting Tory as ‘aspirational’ have seen their living standards slide, public services cut dramatically and their members of parliament obsessed about Europe. This election is our chance to show them how Labour’s alternative will deliver fairness for people from all communities.
But as the polls narrow, more pressure will be put on the more challenging seats to support our key seats, and rightly so. Yet a ‘one nation’ Labour party must take its case to the electorate everywhere, including to those in areas such as Hertford and Stortford. Beyond this, why should this be important?
Simple. The area around London is changing: new homes, existing London communities moving in and many from demographic groups that are likely to support us. We can only mobilise this future support if we start now. Campaign infrastructure must be built, the Labour brand embedded and hard work resumed.
The general election next year will allow us to develop a campaign that energises volunteers. Members now have a new narrative of failed Tory polices both locally, as the empty shops in Hertford town centre testify, and nationally, seen in the NHS and other public services. Perhaps even more importantly, our own policy platform, including a freeze in energy prices and a cap in rail fares, really resonates in these semi-rural areas and commuting voters.
Alongside the general are important local elections. A well run parliamentary campaign will help us win council seats next May. Toeholds, become footholds and drive wedges into once considered Tory safe seats. We need members to understand why we campaign and how we campaign. To use and understand tools such as Contact Creator, Nationbuilder and Mosaic so that they themselves can take ownership. Often all that is missing is the know-how to make it happen.
Most importantly it is vital that a one nation party subscribes to a ‘no no-go areas’ policy because it directly complements the work in key seats. Target seats will benefit from skilled and trained activists in neighbouring constituencies. Hertford and Stortford is nestled between Harlow and Stevenage. I will be out to help win these seats, and what better way than to arrive for campaign days with motivated and well-trained volunteers fresh from running their own campaigns?
Progress’ Third Place First Campaign has been at the forefront of this argument and so on Saturday 6th September we’ll be starting our the campaign in Hertford and Stortford. Starting with a special Third Place First campaign day. All members are welcome from in and outside the seat. Showing my local members they are important to Labour’s fight to make this a one-term government, means more activist going to neighbouring target seats.
We will be campaigning in an area where the child poverty rates reflect the failures of this Tory government. Where people have been let down. We will show them that voting Labour is not a wasted vote and that we are on their side, regardless of where they live. Please come and join us.
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Katherine Chibah is the parliamentary candidate for Hertford and Stortford
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Third Place First Campaign Session: Hertford and Bishop Stortford
Saturday 6th September – meet at 10:30am Hertford North Railway Station (25 mins from London)
For more information please email [email protected]