‘We’ll oppose extremism with a positive vision’: Labour launches Local Elections campaign

‘BUOYANT’: Labour supporters and candidates at the launch of the party’s Local Elections campaign in Hull

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Labour launched its Local Elections campaign in Hull today backed by three MPs and the Labour Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones.

The party’s candidates in all 19 seats up for election to Hull City Council next month were among those gathered near the statue of William Wilberforce outside Hull College, alongside supporters.

Emma Hardy, Labour MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, said: “Labour candidates are already working hard in our communities and they will do even more if elected. They will put unity and respect first, not division like Reform.

“Last year’s mayoral election showed the Liberal Democrats can’t stop Reform, and a vote for them risks opening the door to that divisive agenda.

“Labour councillors, working with local Labour MPs and a Labour government, is the strongest way to secure the investment Hull needs and build a better future for our city.”

Dame Diana Johnson, Labour MP for Hull North and Cottingham, was also at the event, as was East Hull MP Karl Turner, who is currently sitting as an independent after being suspended from the Labour Party last month.

Labour described its campaign in Hull as “diverse, hopeful and positive” and said it was emphasising the need “to unite Hull in the face of a divisive, far-right Reform threat in May’s elections”.

Councillor Daren Hale, leader of the opposition Hull Labour group at the council, said: “Hull Labour will oppose Reform’s extremist and divisive politics with a positive vision. From the time of Wilberforce onwards, the people of Hull have always stood up to the forces of hate.”

LABOUR UNITED: From left, Councillor Daren Hale, Emma Hardy MP, Dame Diana Johnson MP, and Councillor Sharon Hofman

Deputy group leader, Councillor Sharon Hofman, is one of the candidates, defending her seat in the Bricknell ward when voters go to the polls on May 7.

She described the Labour mood as “quite buoyant” and “ quite optimistic” and told The Hull Story: “People are starting to see the Reform vote is starting to collapse a bit and hopefully that will filter down in Hull. Generally people are quite optimistic.

“The concern for us is how the Liberal Democrats could effectively split the vote to let Reform in. It’s not that case that voting for the Lib Dems is going to stop Reform; it will just clear the path for Reform potentially.

“Our message is we know things are hard and people are struggling with things nationally – we’ve had 14 years of misrule from the Tories and the Tories and Lib Dem coalition. Labour are doing a lot of good work nationally and locally this is about candidates in your local area.

“Look at what your candidates are doing, is that candidate committed to your area? Vote for the people that are delivering on the ground and that will make your life better.”

On her own campaign to get re-elected, she said: “I’m one of four generations living in this ward; I brought my family up here and my daughter’s bringing her family up here. What matters to our residents matters to me because I live it on a daily basis.”

The full list of candidates standing for election to the city council can be seen here.

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. Valid ID must be produced to be issued with a ballot paper. Electors must be registered to vote by midnight on Monday, April 20.

Results are expected in the early hours of Friday, May 8.