Readers on the Stoke Central and Copeland byelections

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/feb/21/readers-on-the-stoke-and-copeland-byelections

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National polling may be grim for Labour, but the party remains hopeful of holding off challenges from Conservative and Ukip candidates in Thursday’s byelections in Cumbria and Stoke-on-Trent.

We asked our readers living in the constituencies to let us know what they thought of the candidates, and which issues were most important in deciding their vote.

For the constituents we heard from, Brexit took a back seat to more pressing issues of jobs, the NHS, and local infrastructure. But some raised concerns about Corbyn’s leadership of Labour, as well as a more general disillusionment with party politics.

Below, we highlight a selection of reader views.

Voters in Stoke-on-Trent Central

‘I don’t want to give victory to Ukip’

I’ll be voting Labour because I disagree with Ukip’s stance on almost every issue. Although I would prefer to vote Lib Dem because I want a second referendum based on the facts we were denied last year, I doubt they can achieve a victory in Stoke and I don’t want to give a victory to Ukip based on hopeless ideals.

I want a local MP, fair immigration laws (I am pro-immigration), a thriving NHS, a strong opposition, and someone who wants to see the city and the area succeed and prosper.

Although I don’t like Jeremy Corbyn and don’t think he is a good leader, I think a Labour government is still preferable to a Conservative one. I am sick of social cuts yet rising taxes, and still we have doubled our national debt. The Tories have had nearly seven years to sort out the economy and they have made it worse than before.

Lauren Wilde, 30

‘Our local governance is appalling’

I’m voting Conservative. The candidate is a local man who works hard on local issues and has the intelligence to see the bigger picture. Paul Nuttall has no interest in Stoke and is only here to try and capitalise on the local Brexit vote to gain a seat in parliament.

Our local governance is appalling and has been for a long time hence the decline of the area. We consistently top many league tables for all the wrong things, poor housing, wages, house prices, obesity and more. Tristram Hunt only elevated his own profile but did very little for the city, another outsider foisted upon us by Labour.

Geoffrey Ward, 63

‘Whoever wins, Stoke will continue to suffer’

I have always voted Labour. But how can I send someone to work for Jeremy Corbyn – he can’t even manage his parliamentary Labour party so how can he be expected to manage the country? After all, isn’t it his job to create a viable alternative to government?

Ukip have been outmanoeuvred by Theresa May. Her hardline Brexit stance makes Ukip essentially pointless.

A vote for Conservative next Thursday may result in a Labour defeat in both Copeland and Stoke and maybe Corbyn might resign.

Whatever happens, whoever wins, Stoke will continue to suffer. This byelection doesn’t change that fact. It might offer a viable hope for the future and as a result, the city.

Martin Smith, 26

Copeland

‘There is little to choose between the mainstream candidates’

I intend to vote Labour. Those of us who work at the Sellafield plant are well paid, with good working conditions, backed by strong pensions. You would think that would make the vast majority of us out-and-out Conservative voters.

However, even with my own self interest, I was over-ruled by a niggling worry that by voting Conservative, I’d be voting for a party that tramples over basic human dignity.

Also, my partner is from the EU. I’m conscious that a Tory or Ukip success may put our family life in danger.

Anonymous, 29

‘A lot of people are apathetic’

Both my husband and I work in Copeland. I have no faith in Jeremy Corbyn, but I cannot bring myself to vote for the Conservatives. A major issue round here is the local hospital, which has recently been the subject of proposals that outline the movement of major services to Carlisle. The A595 is a highly dangerous route and doctors have repeatedly stressed it will be dangerous for high-risk births to travel to Carlisle along that route.

What strikes me here is that a lot of people are either apathetic or can’t see the bigger picture. I’ve heard constant moaning about some schools in Whitehaven not being good enough, the hospital’s potential downgrading of services and transport links not being good enough, but what seriously makes people think the Conservatives have the interests of this constituency at heart?

Anonymous, 30

‘I’m disenchanted with political parties’

I’m voting for an independent. The reason? Disenchantment with political parties and their candidates. I don’t believe their promises – they all say they will protect services at West Cumberland hospital, improve local infrastructure and protect jobs. They always promise much and deliver little.

Joseph Wilkinson, 53, Whitehaven