Burnham relieved by ‘upbeat’ Labour campaign
Labour’s by-election campaign in Oldham East and Saddleworth has shown the party is not “downbeat”, according to Andy Burnham.
The shadow education secretary, who is also Labour’s election coordinator, canvassed sympathetic voters in the constituency’s Shaw area earlier today.
Mr Burnham was greeted by a small crowd of cheering activists as he appeared with Labour’s candidate in the poll, Debbie Abrahams. The election was triggered by ex-Labour MP Phil Woolas’ political demise in a rare election court last year.
“What we’ve told MPs this week is that the number of people who’ve been here to help shows that Labour is coming back strong. And that’s the message of this by-election – we’re fighting hard, coming back strong with confidence,” Mr Burnham said.
Polls indicate Labour is likely to hold on to the seat, despite a strong campaign from Liberal Democrat challenger Elwyn Watkins.
Mr Burnham briefly let slip his guard, suggesting the result was already in the bag, as the opposition party approached the finish line.
“We will get the result we want and that will show that Labour is fighting back strong,” he said.
“We keep saying we take nothing for granted. The message I’m pointing to is just the sheer strength of the Labour presence in Oldham East and Saddleworth has given heart to lots of people in the Labour party. That it’s not a party that’s downbeat – we’re coming back.”
Ms Abrahams’ campaign has concentrated on exposing the Tories’ “broken promises”. The VAT hike, tuition fees and police numbers have all been highlighted.
“We believe this is a close race and that’s why we’re fighting with everything we’ve got in the final hours of this by-election,” Mr Burnham added.
The contest is not thought to be as close as the shadow education secretary fears, however. Labour has benefited from a strong residue of support for Mr Woolas, who had developed a strong personal following during his 13 years in the street. Many believe he was unfairly treated by the election court.
Mr Burnham continued Labour’s refusal to apologise for Mr Woolas’ misrepresentative campaign last May.
“Ed Miliband and the Labour party accepted that judgement in full,” he said. “We accept Phil Woolas has paid a very heavy price indeed.”
