Gutted!!!

Gutted!!!

3 votes!!! ….. the result of the 2015 NEC Elections South West Male Seat

Mike Hines        -              2581 votes          -              50.02%

Berny Parkes    -              2578 votes          -              49.97%

Spoilt Papers    -              178

To use footie vernacular - In the last minute of game I've hit the underside of the bar, the ball's landed half way over the goal line before being stopped by a passing pigeon.  I'm gutted - 3 measly votes!!!

However, I am very pleased to have achieved such a massive swing in my favour having lost by 677 votes in 2013 and I would like to send my heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for me & those who helped & supported my campaign.  It's been absolutely brilliant.

Whilst congratulating Mike - I have to admit it's gut-wrenching to come oh so close but as my mum & dad used to say "a miss is as good as a mile"

The good news is that there have been significant gains from Reclaim The Union candidates (which I'll report on in a future post) so hopefully the Unison leadership will get the message that members are expecting our union use all its energy to fight austerity, defend jobs & protect services.

Anyway the campaign for 2017 starts here.....

Thanks Again,

Berny

A grey day.....

There are a lot of grey clouds overhead this morning which reflects the outcome of the General Election. As a public servant the thought of another five years of unfettered Tory cuts is scary.

However, whilst the Tories have won a decisive victory with regards to running the Government, there has not been the great Tory landslide being portrayed by the media. In fact, the Tories won approximately 36% of the popular vote - we really do have a corrupt electoral system.

As Trade Unionists we have a difficult five years ahead and we really do need organised, effective & united leadership as it is only through the trade unions that austerity can be effectively challenged.

Already the press are championing the New Labour claim that Labour's surge to the Left was the reason for its defeat - well I'm sorry I must have blinked and missed that surge! The result in Scotland & in the North have shown a Celtic appetite for a radical anti-austerity agenda and maybe a commitment to an anti-austerity agenda would have given Labour better outcomes.

It remains my belief a true surge to the Left would renew support for the Labour Party & give hope to the poor & oppressed.

Anyway, time to lick our wounds & come out fighting for our members, the poor & dispossessed who will desperately need our support and leadership over the next five years. For now I'm off to Scotland for a holiday!

May Day Greetings to all my friends, family & comrades

For victory against austerity on 7th May!