The Labour MP for Llanelli and Shadow Minister for International Trade, Dame Nia Griffith, joined members and candidates from Ribble Valley Branch Labour Party to launch their Borough, Town and Parish Council campaigns on Saturday 25th March 2023
Starting the day in Longridge, Dame Nia joined candidates for both the Derby and Thornley ward, Kieren Spencer and Rachael Ray, and the Dilworth ward, Lee Jameson and Nick Stubbs, on a canvassing session, listening to residents in the Berry Lane area. With numerous members of the public taking note of the sea of red jackets and placards, and passing on their best wishes for the upcoming elections on 4th May, the response on the doorstep was equally as positive, with residents citing the cost of living and frustration at the Conservative government and Conservative run councils.
Next up was Clitheroe, and following a brief pit stop for food, Dame Nia met candidates from Primrose ward, Mike Graveston and Mike Willcox, and St Mary’s Ward, Jonathan Hinder, at Clitheroe Castle. Once again it was clear that inaction and poor communication from local Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors had many residents frustrated, with anti-social behaviour and traffic concerns the main focal points of discussion.
Ribble Valley Constituency Chairman and Primrose ward candidate, Mike Graveston was delighted to welcome the Shadow Minister for International Trade to the Ribble Valley,
“It’s been fantastic to welcome Dame Nia to our wonderful corner of the North West and a big thanks goes to Lee Jameson for inviting her. To have someone of her stature and knowledge hit the streets, knock on doors, and listen to residents with us shows just how seriously Labour are taking the upcoming elections here in the Ribble Valley – and we are very much in it, to win it. The reception on the doorstep has been incredibly positive – the best I’ve known it during my time campaigning – so we know that the Ribble Valley is ready for change, they are tired of Tories and the lack of ideas from the Lib Dem opposition. It’s time for more Labour representation on our councils and that begins on 4th May.”
Of course, we all know that when visiting the Ribble Valley it is essential to make a weekend of it, in our beautiful, welcoming countryside; so, Sunday morning saw another campaign session for Dame Nia, this time in Ribchester, with Labour candidate Karl Barnsley. Following a lack of investment in flood defences, and plenty of blocked drains already reported by Karl, there was still plenty to chat to local residents about before Dame Nia made the trip back to South Wales.
On behalf of everyone at Ribble Valley Labour, we would like to thank Dame Nia for taking time out of her exceedingly busy schedule to help launch our 2023 election campaign, and wish her all the best on her next general election campaign; Llanelli is lucky to have her.
Members are urged to check their emails for all the latest campaign session as we enter a crucial month that they can truly make a difference in and their support is vital.
