The Adver report on the local election correctly judged that there were few surprises. However, one result buried in the detail was very interesting. In Gorse Hill and Pinehurst, the left-of-Labour Socialist Alliance won 10.9 per cent of the vote, beating the number of votes gained by the Liberal Democrats. The Green Party also did well in most of the wards it contested.
Along with the low turnout, this is evidence of the deep dissatisfaction and anger that many people feel towards the main parties. The mainstream politicians seem to live in a different world to most working people.
This was the first election that the Socialist Alliance has fought in Swindon, and it is a remarkable result considering that few voters would have heard of us before the election started.
As the candidate, I wish to thank everyone who campaigned for me, and everyone who voted for me. We will continue to campaign in the area and are committed to actively defending Pinehurst Peoples' Centre.
Andy Newman (Secretary, Swindon Socialist Alliance)
Avenue Road
Swindon
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