Talking Politics

Usually new MPs only thank those who voted for them, but I’d like to thank the 45,119 people who voted in the election and made democracy happen in our constituency.

I would like to reflect on my time during the campaign and I am truly humbled by the support that I received, from not only the campaign team and the trade union movement, but also the people of the constituency I had the genuine pleasure of speaking with.

However, while speaking to so many people in the area, I was heartbroken to hear some of the stories and real-life experiences of those affected by the brutal Tory regime, which inspired me more to ensure I am a loud voice in Parliament for those who have been left behind by this government.

Our campaign was run on a positive platform, focusing on the manifesto that offered hope to the people of our area who have long since given up on politics.

A key highlight of the campaign was seeing the engagement of young people in politics, with half of my own campaign team being under the age of 30.

The fate of our future is in the hands of today’s government, and having young people take up arms in the form of leaflets and loudhailers gave me pride that the fight for working people was not done.

Unfortunately, on Friday morning, we woke up to another Tory government, this time propped up by the disastrous DUP.

It should be said that I for one, and many of my colleagues, are ready for the campaign that is coming; the minority government led by Theresa May will be lucky to see this autumn.

This election was a sign of the times and the massive swing to the Labour party showed our common-sense approach to governance truly is an alternative to the brutal austerity policies of the Conservative party, who have minimised public spending at the expense of the workers,

Winning feeling Hugh Gaffney celebrates with supporters following the Coatbridge election result