Tag: General Election

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ELECTION NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Erdington by-election set to “liven up” by order of Peaky Blinder Thomas O’Rourke

By Erdington Local election news team

The Erdington by-election is about to “liven up” by order of the Peaky Blinders.

Mirroring the last series of the popular TV show, Peaky Blinders, Thomas O’Rourke, part owner of The Peaky Blinder pub in Dale End, is standing for Parliament – entering the upcoming by-election to become Erdington’s next voice in the House.

Raised and still living in Erdington, Mr O’Rourke has thrown his flat cap into the ring “to liven up the by-election”.

He told: “So, as life-imitates-art-which-imitates-life I’ve decided to give what the rest of the world expects from Birmingham – a Peaky Blinder candidate.”

Mr O’Rourke opened The Peaky Blinder seven years ago, before the BBC series became the international cultural phenomenon it is today. There are now Peaky Blinder themed pubs in Dudley, Southport, and Liverpool, with global TV giant Netflix securing the rights to broadcast the show in the United States and across the world.

Mr O’Rourke tried to buy the original Garrison pub eight years ago before it was turned into an HMO – an ironic twist of fate, as exempt accommodation and rogue HMO landlords are set to be fiercely fought campaign topics on the Erdington by-election hustings.

With The Peaky Blinder and the rest of Dale End being earmarked for demolition, Mr O’Rourke plans to open a new Garrison in the city centre to give Peaky Blinder fans a place to take selfies and learn more about the gang whilst enjoying a drink.

He said: “We welcome people from across the world to The Peaky Blinder and our pub has to be the most photographed building in Brum.”

But thankfully the only razor Mr O’Rourke will be using in his campaign is sharp wit.

He said: “I will give people what they want, slow motion videos of Peaky Blinders turning up to hustings mob-handed to a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack.

“People are sick to death of politicians right about now, we all stuck by the rules they created as they partied and laughed at us.

“The whole system is rotten, why would a vote for me be wasted, this country has great tradition of protest votes, and if anywhere is going to elect an MP called Tommy with a Peaky Blinder link then it’s going to be Birmingham.”

He added: “I will say with a smile on my face when I make my maiden Westminster speech – I am here by order of the Peaky Blinders!”

Mr O’Rourke, a 38-year-old father of one, is keeping tight-lipped about his campaign – but did reveal it took him less than an hour to get the ten nominations from voters in Erdington to qualify as a candidate just before the deadline today.

He said: “If people want an idea what I am going to get up to during this by-election then I suggest they watch every series of Peaky Blinders on iPlayer.

“Which probably is the most transparent thing any candidate says in this whole election.”

Peaky Blinders is set to return to our TV screens for the sixth and final series in February.

But in the run up to polling day on Thursday, 3 March, in Erdington the drama will centred around Tommy O’Rouke’s campaign to become the constituency’s next representative in Westminster.

The 12 candidates contesting the Birmingham Erdington seat are: Cllr Paulette Hamilton (Labour), Cllr Robert Alden (Conservative), Dave Nellist (Trade Union and Socialist Coalition), Lee Dargue (Liberal Democrats), Michael Lutwyche (Independent), Jack Brookes (Reform UK), Siobhan Harper-Nunes (Green), Thomas O’Rouke (Independent), Mel Mbondiah (Christian People’s Alliance), Clifton Holmes (Independent), David Laurence Bishop (Militant Bus-Pass Elvis Party), The Good Knight Sir NosDa (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party).

To join Tommy O’Rouke’s campaign to become Erdington’s next Member of Parliament email [email protected]

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ELECTION NEWS: Meet the 12 candidates fighting it out to become Erdington’s next Member of Parliament

By Erdington Local election news team

The deadline for any candidate wanting to contest the Erdington seat in the upcoming by-election has now passed, with 12 people officially set to contest the seat on Thursday, 3 March.

First to announce their candidacy was Cllr Paulette Hamilton (Lab, Holyhead).

Cllr Hamilton was selected by local Labour Party members via an online vote on Wednesday, 26 January – beating her party rival, Ashley Bertie, by a considerable margin.

Already attracting support from Labour frontbenchers, Cllr Hamilton has so far been joined on the campaign trail by Deputy Labour Leader Angela Raynor – with more big names from the shadow cabinet rumoured to be landing in Erdington soon.

Running for Erdington’s Member of Parliament for the fifth time, local lad Cllr Robert Alden (Con, Erdington) will be back on the MP campaign trail – hoping to put a Conservative in the Erdington seat for the first time since 1945.

Gaining public support from West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and Conservative big hitters such as Party Co-Chair Oliver Dowden, Robert Alden’s campaign could get a boost from the fact he is a well know local resident involved in many Erdington based initiives and campaigns.

It could also benefit from Cllr Alden’s direct link to the current government, which could see recently failed regeneration bids – such as the Future High Street and Levelling Up fund applicatons – brought back to the table. Although the ongoing issues around Mr Johnson’s premiership could affect public opinion.

The once MP for Coventry South East, Dave Nellist, will be running as the candidate for the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition (TUSC).

Mr Nellist is expected to campaign against Government cuts, austerity measures, and to champion worker’s rights.

Since his announcement, Mr Nellist has already seen a significant response via social media and amongst Erdington Local readers, many of whom have been affected by the announced closure of the GKN Chester Road factory and continuing troubles at JLR Castle Bromwich.

Lee Dargue will be contesting the Erdington seat for the Liberal Democrats, having preciously run for Member of Parliament for Ladywood in the last two general elections.

Siobhan Harper-Nunes will be representing The Green Party – a Birmingham businesswoman and founder of Shakti Women, with an MSc in Urban Regeneration and 20 years professional experience in the city’s third sector.

Whilst local Erdington postman Jack Brookes will be standing for Reform UK, the modern day face of the Brexit Party following the UK’s departure from the European Union last year.

Mr Bookes will be running on a “secure borders” and “cheaper energy” platform, although campaign material being distributed by Reform UK has taken a hard stance on refugees seeking asylum in the UK – citing “the countless boats illegal migrants crossing the channel every day”.

Standing as the first independent to declare their intention for the Erdington seat is Michael Lutwyche – a Pitts Farm Estate resident and founder of the Justice-4-the-21 Birmingham pub bombings campaign.

The Christian People’s Alliance (CRA) will be presenting Mel Mbondiah as their candidate, a Walsall based pastor and longstanding social worker with experience in healthcare across the West Midlands.

Supporting an anti-abortion agenda and the declassification of cannabis, the CRA have never successfully elected a Member of Parliament – but have been previously successful in local government elections, placing representaives in Newham London Borough Council, and Aston-cum-Aughton .

Also standing in the Birmingham Erdington by-election will be Thomas Peter O’Rourke (Independent), Clifton Holmes (Independent), David Laurence Bishop (Militant Bus-Pass Elvis Party), and The Good Knight Sir NosDa (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party).

Polling for the Birmingham Erdington by-election is scheduled for Thursday, 3 March.

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ELECTION NEWS: Cllr Robert Alden officially launches campaign to become Erdington’s next Member of Parliament and “a strong voice in Westminster”

By Erdington Local election news team

Local lad Cllr Robert Alden has officially launched his campaign to be the next MP for Erdington, hoping to be “a strong voice in Westminster” and to “stand up to” the Local Authority over issues affecting the constituency.

An Orchard Road resident, Robert Alden is already the elected representative of the Erdington ward, a position held alongside Cllr Gareth Moore, as well being the leader of Birmingham’s Conservatives.

Last weekend, Robert Alden was joined by local activists, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, and a number of the region’s MPs as they campaigned across the constituency – marking the official launch of his bid to become Erdington’s next Member of Parliament.

Robert Alden has contested the Erdington seat for the past four General Elections – narrowing the gap between Conservatives and Labour each polling day, and bringing his party the closest they’ve come to winning the constituency in 30 years.

If elected, he would become the first Conservative MP to represent Erdington since 1945.

In his role as local councillor and opposition leader, Robert Alden has worked with local residents on issues from Council Tax to housing repairs, street repairs and cleaner streets, as well as challenging the local authority around the rise in exempt accommodation in Erdington.

He has also supported resident groups and community events, in campaigns to save green spaces, local police stations, and health care centres – and sits as a local school governor and vice chairman of the Erdington Business Improvement District.

Stepping across the ward boundaries to Stockland Green, Cllr Alden has also started addressing some of the issues facing local residents and businesses in and around Slade Road – mirroring the work being delivered in the area by the Safer Streets project.

Robert, who lives in Erdington with his family and has been a local councillor in the area for 16 years, set out his plan to build on his strong record of local action and represent Erdington, Kingstanding, and Castle Vale in Westminster.

Robert told: “My long-term plan is about improving life for people in Erdington, Kingstanding and Castle Vale by providing high-quality, stable jobs and securing new investment in our high streets.”

“We need an MP that will protect the future of our automotive industry, like Jaguar-Land Rover,  work to secure new employment opportunities onto the GKN site, and attract new businesses and secure opportunities for young people.

“As a councillor for sixteen years, I’ve had to fight Birmingham Labour every day to secure local investment – they have let Erdington down for years and we need a strong local MP that will stand up to them.

“I have worked closely with West Midlands Mayor Andy Street to get things done like securing a National Express fare freeze and working with Short Heath Fields Trust to stop the Labour run Council from building on Short Heath Playing Fields.

“Right now, I’m working with Andy Street to make the new ‘gigafactory’ happen; producing batteries for electric vehicles and creating thousands of good local jobs.

“And we need a local champion who will work with ministers to secure investment in our high streets.  My plan is to work to ensure our communities get a fair share of the £76 million invested by the government in high streets across the West Midlands.

“With a strong voice in Westminster we can make our high streets better and safer. We can work to regenerate Erdington baths as a job-creating centre, funnel new investment into Kingstanding Circle and attract new businesses, restaurants and jobs.”

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street is backing Robert Alden’s bid for Parliament.

“I’ve worked with Robert Alden for years, so I’ve seen his dedication up close and he is totally devoted to getting things done,” Andy Street said.

“Robert has an unrivalled record of local action and the skills to be an excellent MP. He has my support at this by-election and I encourage residents to give him theirs.”

Erdington will vote for its next Member of Parliament on Thursday, 3 March. The deadline for political party and independent candidates to declare their intention to stand is 4pm on Tuesday, 8 February.

At the time of writing, the following candidates will be contesting the Erdington seat: Cllr Paulette Hamilton (Labour), Cllr Robert Alden (Conservative), Dave Nellist (Trade Union and Socialist Coalition), Michael Lutwyche (Independent), Jack Brookes (Reform UK), Siobhan Harper-Nunes (Green).

For more on Cllr Robert Alden and the Erdington Conservatives visit www.erdingtonconservatives.org.uk

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ELECTION NEWS: Green Party announce Siobhan Harper-Nunes as Erdington by-election candidate

By Erdington Local election news team

The Green Party of England and Wales (GPEW) has announced Siobhan Harper-Nunes as their candidate for the Erdington by-election.

The Birmingham businesswoman joins a growing number of candidates in contesting the seat left vacant by the recent death of Jack Dromey MP, with polling day set for Thursday, 3 March.

With its origins in the PEOPLE Party and subsequent Green Party, The Green Party of England and Wales was formed in 1990 to champion ecological and environmental issues in the political arena.

If elected Ms Harper-Nunes would join GPEW’s only current MP in Parliament – Caroline Lucas, who represents Brighton and Hove.

Ms Harper-Nunes is the founder and current head of Shakti Women, a female support and development organisation established in 2006 to ‘provide a space for women and girls to find community and re-focus on their own needs.’

Graduating from University of Birmingham with a Master of Science in Urban Regeneration, she has worked throughout the third sector in Birmingham over the last twenty years – as well as being manager of an external funding unit for Birmingham City Council between 2004 and 2006, with a focus on ‘attracting funds into Birmingham’s communities.’

Following her announcement as Green Party candidate, Ms Harper-Nunes said: “My entire career has been about supporting communities of space and place to flourish.

“My offer is simple, I will put the needs of Erdington residents first and work tirelessly to get things done.

“I know the power of one voice, but when we work together, amazing things happen.”

She added: “I joined The Green Party because it epitomises my ideals and my values. It’s time for change. We all deserve so much better.”

Ms Harper-Nunes outlined her approach to life and politics on her Linked-in profile.

She said: “I believe we author our own lives. And my dream is to have a wonderful life; a loving family, a beautiful home, travel, and a successful business doing what I love to do.

“So, I guess you could say I’m successful as that’s exactly what I have. My biggest passion in life is to seek and find miracles in the everyday.”

She added: “My mission is supporting women to be better and to take their rightful place as leaders, bosses and miracle makers.

“When I’m not writing or delivering kick-ass training, I’m supporting others with Business and Strategic Planning, Bid Writing, Mentoring, Marketing and Research.”

A spokesman for The Green Party said: “For the past year Siobhan has been volunteering in Erdington, listening to residents, getting things fixed, litter-picking and during lockdown, delivering hot food to the elderly.

“Siobhan is a “can do” activist. That’s why the party has nominated her as candidate for Erdington.”

Erdington will vote for its next Member of Parliament on Thursday, 3 March. The deadline for political party and independent candidates announcing their intention to stand is 4pm on Tuesday, 8 February.

At the time of writing, the following candidates will be contesting the Erdington seat: Cllr Paulette Hamilton (Labour), Cllr Robert Alden (Conservative), Dave Nellist (Trade Union and Socialist Coalition), Michael Lutwyche (Independent), Jack Brookes (Reform UK), Siobhan Harper-Nunes (Green).

For more on The Green Party of England and Wales visit www.vote.greenparty.org.uk

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ELECTION NEWS: Jack Brookes to stand as Reform UK candidate in Erdington by-election

By Erdington Local election news team

Reform UK has entered the Erdington by-election, picking local postman Jack Brookes as its candidate.

The former Brexit Party, which changed to Reform UK following the UK leaving the European Union  in Jan 2021, is contesting the Erdington seat on a “secure borders” and “cheaper energy” platform.

Reform UK further stated: “Jack (Brookes) is deeply concerned about the current crises facing our country, especially the extreme rise in the cost of living and continuing illegal crossings in the Channel.

“He will be offering the voters of Erdington a real alternative.”

Following the announcement of his candidacy for Reform UK, Mr Brookes said: “I’m a local postman who works in Erdington. I was born in Birmingham, brought up locally in a single parent, mixed-race family.

“I went to Bishop Vesey’s Grammar school and from there went on to read Economics with Finance at Queen’s University Belfast, graduating in 2020.

He added: “Before becoming a postman, I was a labourer for a few months during the summer and I loved the graft. I look at a task and I ask myself, “What can I do to get this done?”.

“When not working I’m a member of my local Reserve Unit and spend my free time cycling, in the gym and playing sports.

“I believe in personal responsibility, and the ability of an individual to make a difference to their own, and others lives.”

Leaflets for Reform UK have already been handed out in Erdington which ask if residents have “had enough” of unlawful immigration and describes “the countless boats illegal migrants crossing the channel every day”.

The party’s hard stance on refugees would “take the boats back to France” and “refuse to grant asylum” to those who get to the UK via the channel.

Mr Brooks added: “For too long, the people of Erdington have been ignored.

“I am passionate about freedom, and I am deeply concerned about the crises facing our country and community, especially the extreme rise in the cost of living.

“That’s why I’m standing in this by-election.”

Erdington will vote for its next Member of Parliament on Thursday, 3 March. The deadline for political party and independent candidates announcing their intention to stand is 4pm on Tuesday, 8 February.

At the time of writing, the following candidates will be contesting the Erdington seat: Cllr Paulette Hamilton (Labour), Cllr Robert Alden (Conservative), Dave Nellist (Trade Union and Socialist Coalition), Michael Lutwyche (Independent), Jack Brookes (Reform UK), Siobhan Harper-Nunes (Green).

For more on Jack Brookes visit www.jackbrookes.uk 

For more on Reform UK visit www.reformparty.uk

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ELECTION NEWS: Erdington MP hopeful Paulette Hamilton and Labour Deputy Angela Rayner visit Spitfire Services on Castle Vale

Words by Jasmine Khan / Pics by Claire Taylor

On Thursday, 3 February, Cllr Paulette Hamilton was joined by Labour Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner, at Spitfire Services on Castle Vale High Street – to find out about the issues facing people on the ground who support their community on a daily basis.

Spitfire Services is a Castle Vale based charity providing ‘a range of welfare information, support and advice services’ – as well as operating local facilities including Castle Pool, Castle Vale Library, The Meeting Place Café, and the Upcycle shop and showroom.

Cllr Hamilton has been recently confirmed as the Labour candidate for the upcoming Birmingham Erdington by-election and remarked on how volunteers and staff at Spitfire Services are “like a big family.”

She told Erdington Local: “What we’ve seen on the (Castle Vale) estate, and in wider Erdington, are the aftereffects of the pandemic. Inequalities have been exacerbated.

“On certain parts of Castle Vale, you live nine years less than you would in Sutton Coldfield. I have got to fight for people locally and what their needs are.”

“The Castle Vale area has felt neglected over the last three years. The issues they (Castle Vale residents) have talked to me about on the door are HMOs and Exempt Housing. Not so much anti-social behaviour, but also waste and fly tipping in the area.

“They’ve seen their shopping bills get bigger and are also talking about gas and electricity and the rise that’s happening there.

“They’re working class and they’re worried about how they’re going to cope.”

Labour’s Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner, who joined Cllr Hamilton on Castle Vale, added: “It’s amazing to see the work of Spitfire Services.

“It’s bittersweet. I’m still grieving the loss of Jack (Dromey), as I’m sure many of the people of Erdington are as well. But to see the community come together in the way that they have, and the legacy of supporting each other, it’s humbling.

“What Jack stood for is looking out for each other…its lovely to see that the community are there for each other when they need it. That, to me, is what the working class are all about.”

A practising nurse for 25 years, Cllr Hamilton was made Mental Health Champion for Birmingham City Council in 2013 and Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care in 2015.

During earlier stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, she returned to nursing to help deliver vaccines to local people.

She added: “I felt it was so important for us to not just talk about it, but do it. That’s why I’m really upset and annoyed with the government.

“In the mist of Covid we saw an enormous amount of people’s mental health effected. (If elected Erdington MP) I would start to challenge and look at (mental health) legislation, and work with other politicians to ensure mental ill-health goes down.”

But some local voters are concerned that another Labour MP might not be able to hold their ground and fight for Erdington’s interests with the wider City Council.

When Cllr. Hamilton was asked whether she would be able to effect genuine change in Erdington, as a Labour MP in conjunction with a Labour Council, she said:

“I’ve lived in Erdington for the past 35 years. I’ve raised my five children here. I’ve worked as a nurse in the local area, in Warren Farm. I’ve been a governor in the local school; I’ve worked with voluntary organisations.

“Because I’m so local and I absolutely understand the needs of the community, I’m best placed, at this moment in time, to represent the community at a national level in Parliament.

“I’ve been a local counsellor for 17 years. With the current council, you have just got to talk and negotiate with them. I believe I’m best placed because I know the services well; I know what the community wants, but I also know how the council provide it.

“So, I am best placed to go in, challenge and work with them (Birmingham City Council) to get change for Erdington.”

Deputy Labour Leader, Angela Rayner, further commented: “I think Paulette will be a massive asset to us (Labour Party), because she has a long history of helping her community. She has worked in the NHS. HMO’s, housing and inequality – those things are her bread and butter, and she comes with a wealth of experience.”

“The Parliamentary Labour Party would learn a lot from Paulette. Not only will she raise things for the people of Edrington. But I’m sure my constituents in Greater Manchester will do well from Paulette being in Parliament.

“I hope the people in Edrington give her a resounding victory.”

Maggie Whitehouse, who volunteers at Upcycle, told Erdington Local: “I’m thrilled with Paulette (running for Erdington MP) because she’s on our wave length and she’ll keep traditions alive.”

Whilst Castle Vale Library Manager, Ian Bingham, added: “Paulette (Hamilton) will be a massive asset to the Erdington constituency and the Labour Party hopefully. She’ll carry on the good work that Jack started.

“Meeting Angela (Rayner), she’s so down to earth. It was humbling to meet a politician that’s in touch with grass roots.”

Erdington will vote for its next Member of Parliament on Thursday, 3 March.

At the time of writing, the current candidates who have declared their intention to contest the seat are Cllr Paulette Hamilton (Labour), Cllr Robert Alden (Conservative), Dave Nellist (Trade Union and Socialist Coalition), and Michael Lutwyche (Independent).

For more on Paulette Hamilton visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/councillors/49/paulette_hamilton

For more on Spitfire Services visit www.spitfireservices.org.uk

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ELECTION NEWS: Erdington Councillor Robert Alden to run for MP as official Conservative candidate in March by-election

By Erdington Local election news team

Councillor Robert Alden has been selected by local party members as the Conservative candidate for the Birmingham Erdington by-election – with polling day scheduled for Thursday, 3 March.

Held in Pype Hayes late on Wednesday, 2 February, the selection meeting started with a minute silence in memory of the late Jack Dromey MP, according to a Conservative party source.

The Erdington ward representative, who is also leader of the Birmingham Conservatives, then face a full room of constituents, answering question on issues including Exempt Accommodation, street crime, policing, and anti-social behaviour – before being confirmed as the Conservative candidate.

Robert Alden has contested the seat for the past four General Elections – narrowing the gap between Conservatives and Labour – and is hoping to become the first Conservative MP to represent Erdington since 1945.

In his role as local councillor and opposition leader, Robert has worked with local residents on issues from Council Tax to housing repairs, street repairs and cleaner streets, to tackling inappropriate development and exempt accommodation

He has also supported residents groups and community events, in campaigns to save green spaces, local police stations, and health care centres – and sits as a local school governor and vice chairman of the Erdington Business Improvement District.

Following the selection, Robert Alden said: “I am honoured to again be selected to stand to represent residents of Erdington Constituency.

“Erdington Constituency is an incredible place to live and work and as I have shown over the last 17 years, I am determined to help make it an even better place with our long-term plan for Castle Vale, Erdington and Kingstanding.

“I know how difficult it will be to win here as there has been no Conservative MP for the area for almost 80 years. But over the last 16 years residents have seen first-hand the difference having Conservative Councillors has made and the progress we are making.

“Residents want the best possible local constituency MP, with a proven track record locally, to serve the people of Erdington and Kingstanding and force the Birmingham Labour-led council to do better for the area.

“I know there is hard work to be done, but I cannot wait to get my message out to everyone in Erdington, Kingstanding and Castle Vale.

“As a local resident I’ve campaigned for our area continuously for 17 years, including 16 years as an Erdington Councillor, as a school governor and vice-chair of the Business Improvement District.

“Working alongside Mayor Andy Street and the Government to secure the investment we need in our local centres will be at the heart of my campaign.”

West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, who has joined Cllr Alden on several campaign across Erdington, was quick to give the local resident and Conservative candidate his full support.

Mr Street added: “Robert Alden is unquestionably the best possible person to serve the people of Erdington as their next MP.

“He has an unrivalled record of action, service and commitment to the area. He is already working closely with me on key local issues like protecting jobs, regeneration the town centre, major improvements to public transport, protecting green spaces and the character of communities.”

At the time of writing, the candidates who have declared their intention to contest the seat and become the next Member of Parliament for Erdington are Justice-4-the-21 campaigner Michael Lutwyche (independent), Dave Nellist (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition), and Paulette Hamilton (Labour).

Registered voters will be selecting the next Erdington Member of Parliament on Thursday, 3 March.

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ELECTION NEWS: Justice-4-the-21 campaigner, Michael Lutwyche, first independent to run for Erdington MP in March by-election

By Erdington Local election news team

A founder of the Justice-4-the-21 campaign, which succeeded getting answers for the victims of the Birmingham pub bombings, has announced he is standing in the Erdington by-election.

Michael Lutwyche lives on the Pitts Farm Estate in Erdington and is the first serious independent candidate to announce they are standing in the 3 March poll caused by Jack Dromey’s death.

The 55-year-old security expert spent the last decade taking on successive governments and the criminal justice system to help the families of the 21 Brummies murdered by the IRA in 1974.

He told Erdington Local: “I am not a single issue candidate but obviously I will use my power as an MP to do everything I can to help the Justice 4 21 campaign because it has been such a big part of my life.

“If there is one thing the campaign has taught me is that victims of crime are ignored in this country, and if you are a normal person who ask the state for help you will be ignored.”

He added: “When I said to people in the campaign about running they were very supportive and I have had friends get involved asking to help so my campaign is broad coalition.”

Mr Lutwyche believes the time is perfect for an independent candidate to make a big impact in a by-election, especially in Erdington.

“We are living in a post-politics era now where the big corporations decide the agenda and the politicians just do what they want. If you follow the money you often find the same people are funding the two main parties.

“Erdington has been deteriorating for years now, it has not been a sudden thing, Labour run the council, the Tories run the country and they are both to blame.”

The fledgling politician is putting crime and punishment at the front of his agenda.

He said: “I tried to stop the drug dealing on the High Street and in Stockland Green and ran up against a brick wall with the police. I was even told the top brass were happy for the drug dealing to be contained in the areas where there are lots of HMOs.

“Personal safety is important as is the increase in anti-social behaviour. Only last week the police admitted parts of Erdington have become ghettos. I believe they have become ghettos due to police indifference and council mismanagement. I will call both bodies to account.”

The Aston Villa fan is relishing the fight ahead and has called on local people to back him to send a clear message to Westminster they are not happy with the system.

He said: “It’s turned into a real David and Goliath struggle, the odds are firmly stacked against me, but history shows people like us thrive on odds like those. They make it hard for us, they tell us we can’t, we turn round and quietly show them we can.

“I’m in this fight for the little people, the people quickly ignored once their votes have been cast and their MP swans off to London, for the elderly who’ve now been abandoned once they’re surplus to requirements, the people from our community unable to access GPs and on ever expanding hospital waiting lists, the families who dread escorting their kids through neglected High Streets where drug dealing is openly happening.

He added: “The people who just want to enjoy their lives without having every last penny squeezed out of them and watch as every local facility is slowly lost.”

LUD FOR ERD – Michael Lutwyche for Erdington campaign has set up a GoFundMe page for donations: www.gofund.me/b99333bd

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ELECTION NEWS: Paulette Hamilton launches campaign as Labour candidate for upcoming Erdington by-election

By Erdington Local election news team

On Saturday, 29 January, Councillor Paulette Hamilton (Lab, Holyhead) launched her campaign to be the next Erdington MP – meeting local Labour Party members during a special address at Highcroft Community Centre in Stockland Green.

Having been nominated to stand in the upcoming Erdington by-election via an online vote earlier in the week, winning a significant majority over her Labour Party opponent Ashley Bertie, Cllr Hamilton used her first public address as an MP hopeful to tell her supporters:

“Can I thank you all for your support. I cannot believe it, the overwhelming support I have had from people throughout the constituency.

“We have got a lot of work to do. We are going to run a clean campaign; we are going to fight at the doorsteps to take the Labour message to the people.”

In an email sent out to Labour Party members earlier in the week, Cllr Hamilton previously stated: ‘This is an election none of us wanted to be fighting but it is one we have to win. We owe it to the memory of our dear friend Jack Dromey MP and we owe it to the people of Erdington.’

At the time of writing, only Dave Nellist has also thrown his hat in the ring – with the erstwhile Labour MP for Coventry South East and Coventry City councillor declaring his intention to stand for the Erdington seat on behalf of the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition (TUSC).

Joined by Shabana Mahmood MP (Lab, Ladywood), who is also the National Campaign Coordinator in Kier Starmer’s Shadow Cabinet, Cllr Hamilton launched her by-election campaign with around a hundred local Labour Party members – all giving up their Saturday to help her canvass across the constituency.

The atmosphere was a positive one; Cllr Hamilton and her team were met with raucous applause upon entering and beginning their speeches – with local Labour Party members and staff filled with optimism and excitement ahead of the campaign.

The event began with some opening words from Shabana Mahmood MP, who paid tribute to the late Jack Dromey: “I could not be more proud that we have got a local woman who is going to stand up and fight for the people of Erdington, and do Jack proud.”

The Ladywood MP was keen to kick the Labour campaign off with a “flying start”, building up excitement for the beginning of Paulette Hamilton campaign – which, if successful, would make her the first black Member of Parliament.

Addressing the crowd, Cllr Hamilton also began with an immediate tribute to Jack Dromey: “Can I start by saying; I absolutely adored Jack. I am really saddened that Jack has passed away.

“He was a stood for social justice and he championed the people in Erdington and the constituency. He fought for people who needed jobs and saving jobs.”

Cllr Hamilton then went into detail on her background – having lived in Erdington for 35 years and working as a nurse – as well as her work fighting for local residents to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

After her speech, and another raucous applause, campaigners got to work organising group photographs and teams for door-to-door campaigning.

One Labour Party member told Erdington Local: “I’m certainly enthusiastic. Paulette has definitely made a good impression.”

Judith Park, a local resident, went on to say: “I haven’t normally been involved in the party meetings etc. but I thought she really inspired us on the Zoom meeting.”

There were previous concerns over the organisation of the online meetings and voting process, with the Wednesday night candidacy selection starting hours later than scheduled – with a Labour source citing “technical difficulties” and problems verifying the identity of those attending to vote.

Andy Cook, who was present at the selection meeting, told: “We were all very impressed. Paulette was impressive in the way she came across and responded well to the questions put to her. I am more than confident we have made the right choice.”

Speaking to Erdington Local directly, Shabana Mahmood MP added: “We have got a fantastic local woman standing for a seat we already hold. Jack Dromey worked very hard for the people of Erdington.

“I think we can go into this by-election fairly confident and I hope we can do Jack proud and do right by his legacy by holding the seat strong for him and for Labour.

“Jack was an immense figure of British politics and of the Labour movement across the whole country, so naturally he leaves behind a record that few can match. However, we have an amazing candidate who is going to get stuck right in.

“I think if Jack could have chosen for himself the successor for his seat, he would have chosen Paulette, and I believe that is the highest honour I can pay her.”

For more on Paulette Hamilton visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/councillors/49/paulette_hamilton

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ELECTION NEWS: Dave Nellist to run for Erdington MP as Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition candidate in upcoming by-election

By Erdington Local election news team

On Thursday 27 January, Dave Nellist declared his intention to run for Erdington MP in the upcoming by-election – standing as the official candidate for the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition (TUSC).

Having previously been a Member of Parliament for Coventry South East, a seat he held for the Labour Party for nine years, Mr Nellist is a longstanding supporter of worker’s right – famously donating 60% of his MP’s salary to the Labour movement, trade unionists, and community campaigners.

It is expected his campaign will take a strong anti-austerity stance, challenge Government cuts, and put the plight of workers at the heart of its manifesto.

Accepting the TUSC nomination, Nellist commented: “With Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour welcoming a Tory MP into the parliamentary party last week – while confirming Jeremy Corbyn’s exclusion from the PLP at its national executive committee meeting on January 25th – it couldn’t be clearer that the interests of Britain’s wealthy establishment will be in safe hands if and when they decide to move on from Boris Johnson’s disintegrating premiership. Starmer is so obviously not on our side.

“That is why I am proud to represent TUSC in the Birmingham Erdington by-election and would urge other trade unionists, socialists and community campaigners to also consider standing for TUSC in the forthcoming local council elections in May.

“Red Tories, Blue Tories or Yellow Tories carrying out policies against the interests of the working class majority cannot expect to be unchallenged at the ballot box”.

With people already taking to social media to demand a ‘union man’ to replace the late Jack Dromey MP, Dave Nellist’s campaign could find a welcome voice in the Erdington constituency – home of the ill fated GKN Chester Road factory and long suffering Jaguar Land Rover Castle Bromwich plant.

Having once shared an acrimonious office with Tony Blair, when both men were entered the House in 1983, Dave Nellist has been a longstanding supporter of Militant – an internal Labour Party born movement that became the Socialist Party in 1997.

Expelled from the Labour Party for his affiliation with Militant, ahead of the 1992 General Election, Dave Nellist was continuously voted in as a Coventry City councillor between 1998 and 2012.

After announcing his nomination for the Erdington by-election, the Socialist Party went on to state:

‘Former socialist MP Dave Nellist will be standing to put forward an anti-austerity, pro-worker alternative’ – hoping to regain a place in the House ‘to give a voice to the struggles of working class people in Erdington fighting attacks on public services, for decent pay and working conditions and for urgent action to deal with the cost of living crisis.’

Dave Nellist is the second candidate to announce their intention to run for MP in the upcoming Erdington by-election, following the Labour Party’s selection of Cllr. Paulette Hamilton – who was nominated by local party members on Wednesday, 26 January.

Although with a date yet to be set, and many other parties expected to put forward a candidate, the political race for Erdington’s next Member of Parliament has only just begun.

For more from the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition visit www.tusc.org.uk

For more from the Socialist Party visit www.socialistparty.org.uk