A WEEK IN POLITICS...A LIFE WITH LABOUR

A week today I will be over in Keighley relying on adrenalin to get me through a nerve-wracked afternoon at the final hustings. Public speaking is something very few of us are born to and something I have had to get used to in the past couple of years. But I will give it my best shot.
I've been mulling over what I shall say for several weeks and I've toyed with various ideas. But, with only seven days to go, I think there is only one strategy I will feel happy with.
It was made clear to me on Thursday when I attended the funeral of Bill Risby, a friend and comrade for most of my adult life. I'd like to thank Bill's widow, Marie, for asking me to do a reading at the Requiem Mass at St Dunstan's. It was a privilege to do so. It was also very moving to see so many people there paying tribute - dozens of Manchester councillors, MPs Tony Lloyd and Graham Stringer, plus friends from the Labour Party, many of whom I hadn't seen for over 20 years.
We first met each other as idealistic youngsters - we're now resolutely middle-aged but, whether in or outside the Labour Party, still I hope committed to those ideals of social justice which led us to get involved in politics all those years ago. I hope the presence of so many people who admired and respected Bill as someone who stayed true to socialist values was a comfort to the family.
There was one saying of Bill's which was quoted at the funeral and which has stuck in my mind for the past couple of days - namely that if you have an opinion, you should have the courage to express it.
So, when I make my final hustings speech in Keighley, what I say will I hope be an honest and straightforward explanation of where I stand and why. It will then be up to the CLP members to choose whether or not they think I am the right person for the job.
I would like to thank those who have endorsed my campaign. They included Bill , who sent me a message of support only two days before he died, also Tony Benn, Tony Lloyd MP, John McDonnell MP, Alice Mahon , Jeremy Dear of the NUJ and my friend Coun Dave Young from Hebden Royd Town Council. I know that if I am selected for Keighley I can rely on the support of many friends old and new in the labour movement. So keep your fingers crossed, comrades, and I'll get on with preparing my speech.

SUSAN PRESS 4 KEIGHLEY ON FACEBOOK

My support group is here. Over 200 members already and a bit of a morale booster in what is a fiercely-fought campaign by all the candidates. To join, just click on the link...........and meanwhile I will keep on keeping on. Much to do in the next four weeks........
http://www.facebook.com/board.php?status=256&uid=59137719107#/group.php?gid=59137719107

CAMPAIGNING IN KEIGHLEY

Most of my energies in the past few weeks have been put into making the shortlist in Keighley. And I'm delighted to have done so. I've won two nominations, including the Co-op Party and I have substantial support in other parts of the constituency. I've spent the past couple of days drafting key messages which will be revealed to Party members in the coming period. But just a couple of pointers.

I think Parliament needs more people with years of ordinary work and life experience.
MPs need principles and I remain absolutely committed to socialist values and the Labour Party. But high ideals on their own are not enough. Relating to constituents is just as important.
I’m putting my name forward because I’m a credible candidate for this particular constituency. I’ve lived in West Yorkshire for over a decade and have years of experience as a Labour councillor serving my local community. Since May 2008, I’ve been Mayor of Hebden Royd. My endorsers include some of the best names in the labour movement - with one or two surprises. At this stage, I'm keeping mum about who they are. But watch this space.........