Oldham East & Saddleworth

Last weekend I spent a few days helping Elwyn Watkins and the team in the Oldham East & Saddleworth by-election.

It was exciting to be helping out at a by-election again – and the OES team are really fired up! Arriving at Greenfield Station on Saturday I could see loads of Elwyn posters lining the road – it seems they are everywhere!

Over the few days I was there I helped out in the HQ printing, folding and bundling literature. I was up for 24 hours straight on the first day – as I helped out with the overnight printing. I also got the chance to go out on the doorsteps and talk to some local voters. I really enjoy talking to people and finding out what they think. Lots of people are far more chatty than you would imagine – you always worry that people might slam the door in your face when they see you are canvassing for an election – but people were happy to talk.

It was strange seeing the difference between what I had read in the newspapers and what people were actually saying on the ground. Some of the polls said we are falling behind (with the Tories in a distant third) – but I found it’s much closer between us and Labour than the news has been saying. The Tories are definitely in third though!

Several voters who are normally Conservative voters told me that they were backing Elwyn as he’s a local man. They are fed up with Labour tricks to win, and want someone who will actually fight for them. It was really heartening to hear that – as I could see what an effort Elwyn and the team have made.

Some of the Labour voters were the same. Although many had made up their minds already, a good number of them told me they were confused about what to do. They normally support Labour, but they felt that Elwyn was best to represent them too. It’s going to be a close fight!

The Lib Dem voters were obviously annoyed that Labour has dragged the name of Oldham East & Saddleworth through the mud – and will be glad to elect a Lib Dem MP so this whole saga can be put behind them.

Elwyn made a short speech one evening after the campaign team meeting – talking about how we are putting up a good fight and thanking people for coming and helping. He thanked the people like me who have come from around the country to lend a hand – but he saved the biggest thanks for his local campaign team who have been working in the community since well before the General Election.

It’ll be interesting to see what happens – I have put a whole pound on a Lib Dem victory – that’s double what I normally bet! I think it’s going to be a tight race – but I think that Elwyn and the team deserve to win after all the work they have put in.