Where do I align politically?

Some people have been asking me about my political allegiances and so I thought I would clarify....well I am a member of the Labour Party and I a former parliamentary candidate for the Leominster constituency in the 2005 General Election.

I firmly believe in equality and the abolition of poverty and ignorance. I hate intolerance, sexism, racism and homophobia. I believe in democracy and free speech and the lessoning of the power of religion in our society. Below is a sample of my election campaign 2005.

Common Sense: I see that too often in life common sense is lacking. However, it is also clear that the Labour Party is the party of common sense. We are members of a party which is the only one which can deliver on a free and public NHS; full employment and opportunity for all. There are times when we feel frustrated by certain policies or where the government could have gone further. But there were times when the Conservative government was going too far destroying our manufacturing industry, putting people out of work and making ordinary people poorer while the rich got richer. I pledge to use my common sense in politics for the needs of my constituents and always remember how different our country is now to the days of the last government.

Passionate: I am a passionate believer in social democracy. The Labour Party led the way through the 20th Century in advocating for social change on an unparalleled level. The new century is asking more demanding questions of our party. The future will not just be about terrorism and the consequences of the Iraq war, but also the ever reaching market over community politics. I am a passionate believer in local democracy where local communities take control of their own lives through participation, action and co-operation. I believe in a fairer society, liveable pensions and free society, where opportunity is for all; a country where poverty no longer exists and decent affordable housing is a right for all.

Radical: I am by nature a social reformer. I see the Labour Party as the only party which can deliver on social democracy. Much has been done to protect the NHS and extend opportunity to all rather than the few. We must celebrate our successes, but work towards even greater achievements of developing social democracy, or as it used to known as socialism. The third Labour term of government will be a rewarding challenge. Let work together to further change our society to one of equality and freedom.