Winning Elections

Contesting elections on behalf of the Labour party is one of the most important activities Hexham CLP engages in. Election campaign work doesn’t begin a few weeks before an election. On the contrary, electoral campaigning kicks in well before an election is held and often well in advance of an election date being set. Campaigning goes through a series of phases, starting with an early low key approach that ensures that each branch has the necessary officers and arrangements in place to undertake a successful campaign. Preparing, planning and contesting an election requires as many CLP members as possible to take part. There are always plenty of tasks to perform, from canvassing and leafleting door to door to running street stalls and town and village centre leaflet campaigns. Increasingly social media, phone and text banks are used to spread the Labour message. Contacting the main stream media with letters and emails is a useful thing to get involved in and most effective when coordinated. There are many other activities to be involved in and friendly support and gentle training is always available. The final phase of the election campaign period is usually quite intense but it’s always up to the individual member how much time they are able to commit.

There are of course, many different types of election. Local elections range from town and parish to county council elections. These, like the Westminster general election and European Parliamentary elections, are intended to follow a four year cycle. By-elections can be called for a variety of reasons. In addition to these a police and crime commissioner is an elected position. Recently added to this list; is the role of North of Tyne Mayor covering Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside. Local and national referenda may also attract campaigning along party political lines. In fact no two election campaigns are the same. Although they are nearly always held on Thursdays! Each campaign is defined by a specific set of considerations and requires a tailored approach to its undertaking.