Derbyshire County Councillor Joins Respect
Added: (Sun Sep 19 2004)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Derbyshire County Councillor Joins Respect
Buxton, High Peak, Derbyshire. Sunday 19th September 2004
On Tuesday 7th September Buxton Councillor Lynton Bennett resigned from the Labour Party and joined Respect - The Unity Coalition becoming Respect's 5th Councillor. In his resignation letter Councillor Bennett said, “I am still of the opinion that the Labour Party under Tony Blair is no different to the Tories. The government’s policies of backdoor privatisation, low direct rate of top tax and lack of employment rights add up to a poverty of aspiration for working people in this country.”
In a message to High Peak Respect at their by-election meeting in Glossop, Councillor Bennett added, “I believe Respect is that alternative, a genuine socialist alternative to Labour. I urge all of you to vote for, campaign for, and join Respect. Together we can build Respect in the High Peak into the strong socialist alternative we all desperately want and need.”
After over 20 years of loyal support to the Labour Party, Councillor Bennett has decided that enough is enough and has joined the mass exodus of Labour members who have left since 1997, with many joining Respect.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Lynton Bennett, Respect County Councillor (Buxton South), 01298 74660 / 07764229548
Paul Brook, High Peak Respect Secretary, 07752 102176
Dr. John Costello, High Peak Respect Press Officer
Shaun Tinsley, High Peak Respect Press Officer
http://www.highpeakrespect.org.uk
e-mail: info@highpeakrespect.org.uk
Notes for editors:
Respect-The Unity Coalition was formed at a 1,500 strong meeting in London on 25th January 2004. It currently has one Member of Parliament and several councillors.
High Peak Branch of Respect was formed at a public meeting held on 11th May 2004 in Glossop. It is less than 5 months old in the High Peak.
Lynton Bennett was elected onto Derbyshire County Council for Buxton South ward in 2001.
Respect candidate Gayle Shaw received 15% of the vote and finished 3rd in the recent Howard Town By-Election in Glossop.
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