By Valerie Kenny, Chair of Canterbury Constituency Labour Party

“Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be” (J.Wooden)

Congratulations to Alister Brady and Connie Nolan who kept Canterbury red by winning very convincingly in Canterbury City North and Canterbury City South in the recent Kent County Council elections. I would also like to thank all our candidates for all of their dedication and hard work. A big thank you to Andy Davidson, Chris Cornell, Yasmin Dallos Foreman and Owen Vanstone-Hallam.

And to all Labour members and supporters who pounded the streets delivering leaflets, canvassing, putting up posters and boards, regardless of wind, rain, cold and sun, thank you.

I believe that the Reform party winning so many seats in our county and across the country will have a devastating effect on democracy. We are facing turbulent times with Farage already stating that they will abolish net zero targets and sack all diversity officers, amongst many other alarming prospects.

We must fight back. And challenge every action that will cause harm to many people.

I was very much encouraged listening to our Labour leader of Canterbury City Council address the full council meeting this week, on May 7th, reminding us that we have a Labour-led council with clear values to uphold. His theme of “Our Future. Our Canterbury City Council. Our Choice.” met with a standing ovation from all parties.  You can listen to it too on Facebook – https://fb.watch/ztrJRqaeMF/

As a Labour Group we need to look forward and to identify how we can challenge the destructive message of Reform and to get good news about Labour policies, such as breakfast clubs, reduction of NHS waiting lists, and nationalisation of the railways, amongst many other Labour led policy that will improve the lives of people, to break through.

We need to fight back!