In a time where UK electioneering appears ever more challenging, I have decided to provide a grassroots guide on how to combat the Opposition in the hope of assisting Associations and Federations far and wide. Whilst this is derived from personal experiences and observations, I hope that this may help people better engage with their communities.

I am continuing this series by addressing Labour. Whilst it was founded in 1900 upon emergence from the Trade Union Movement and Socialist Parties of the 19^th Century, it would supplant the Liberal Party in the 1920s to become the main Opposition in the present day. Figures such as Clement Attlee who originated from Conservative Households demonstrate the literal roots of Conservatism in the rise and success of this once new Opposition, and so it must be remembered that at its heart this Party still holds vestiges of Conservative ancestry.

In all my community roles to date I have observed the Opposition to adopt the same pattern, albeit a more professional one than most other Parties. If you do reside in a historical Red Marginal or Target Area, then many of the following characteristics will have become apparent over time, and I’m certain will persist, so I encourage anyone either standing or considering standing for Election to consider these points.

The Reds’ strategy harnesses a combination of issue claiming through serial Press Coverage, use of concerned residents/ secret activists, unaccountability of decisions taken and finally justified autocracy attributed to antagonistic parallel Opposition Parties. Let us dissect each of these four points for old and new members alike as we strive to support one another near and afar.

1. Issue claiming reinforced by a barrage of press releases both through the Local Authority website and the local Forums and News Outlets. Whilst this can be a powerful tool of any Political Party, if you have ever contributed towards or undertaken an extensive campaign, it is pivotal that you document and chronicle everything along the way. This can be a double-bladed sword in that if you have built up a high profile for a particular campaign (or several) which have led to success, such as the rescue of an historic Market or series of civic assets then the people that count will know and this can it can play to your strengths later in the future. Whilst plagiarism or censorship is quite frustrating if you aren’t included in things on principle then there are many there are ways of communicating what you have done just as well if not better.
2. The use of concerned residents and secret activists to raise awareness for a localised campaign. This issue can be dangerous if not addressed properly from the beginning. I would advocate a professional, assistive approach towards anyone seeking help regardless of their political persuasion in the event of either building good rapport with prominent Opposition members that may run the Local Authority and from whom you will depend upon for community funding for key projects and services, etc. My opposition, in fairness, has only engaged adversely and understandably with the local Yellows in this manner so it is important to always adopt a professional code of mutual respect and sincerity.
3. Unaccountability of decisions taken. This is a broad topic which can cover many things, such as unpopular decisions taken, such as an aspect of the Local Plan, the annual Budget or choosing to commit funding to a local project or approving the demolition of an historic building. My Local Authority has been ambivalent here as at times it has done the right thing, such as opposing demolition plans, but at other times it has pushed on relentlessly with selling assets also whilst not actioning alternative revenue generation proposals, such as my own to embrace Blue Tourism. Adopt a clear clean approach documenting everything without providing a direct way to antagonise the opposition especially if they command the Local Authority as irrespective of the decisions taken, they are still trying to do what they can for the area in their own parallel way whether this is ultimately correct or not.
4. The Reds acting out when faced with criticism by any one Party. Across my area I have observed my local Authority choose to double down on their points by bringing in other decorated elected representatives and the wider media. Whilst this can generate awareness of a topic and said parties for everyone, this is a very foolish measure as this Opposition can just secure central Government’s support. My guidance would be to provide actual proposals wherever possible backed with data and an offer to directly collaborate if a large-scale matter.

Whilst Labour may appear well-heeled, this Party’s approach prioritises personal relations over preferred governance and so it is only by always working diplomatically that will generate the right outcomes for everyone. As soon as campaigning becomes personalised the battle is lost so do not replicate the tactics of the Yellows with this or any other Party.