Alliance breaks up
Progressives wish to maintain their own identity
I’ve just returned from the match to see my email inbox filling with news that the Progressive - Independent Alliance on South Tyneside Council has fell apart, according to Peter Shaw at the Northern Herald and those emailing me, the Progressive councillors are concerned that their unique identity as a party that fights independently for the best interests of South Shields people is under threat. Their long history dating back to the Rent and Ratepayers Association of the 1950s has seen them embody, as a group, people with no political allegiance, people of Conservative views, and people with Liberal values too in a multi-faceted anti Labour front. Perhaps the association with the Branley led Independents who have so many disaffected socialists in their ranks was too much of a strain to be continued as a successful “marriage”.
As we approach the local government elections in May it will be interesting to see whether or not the Progressive Association has much breath left in it’s body, and whether it is willing to once again carry the fight to Labour, and others by fielding an increased number of candidates throughout the borough. Will they be willing to pit candidates against Independents?
Hi Curly. It was only a matter of time before this happened. The Progs have obviously finally realised the huge mistake they made jumping into bed with the Indys. I’m just amazed that it took them so long to figure it out!
I firmly believe that the electorate will consider the Progs original decision to associate with the Indys as a real lack of political judgement and will vote for South Tyneside’s real and constructive opposition at the next election - the Conservatives.
Re the match today. Excellent result! I was there too and it was a fab atmosphere.
Comment by David Potts — February 9, 2008 @ 6:51 pm
Yes it was a huge error of judgement and went against the grain with one or two, it seems, they became the meat in someone else’ sandwich, and the association with some recent events left an unsavoury taste.
As for the match, it was the second worst performance of the year, only marginally better than the FA Cup match against Wigan. How Wigan failed to score today is a bad luck story for them. However, both goals were good, Murphy’s was out of the top drawer, three points are very welcome.
Atmosphere? Average I thought, not a great deal to shout about. You may be interested to know that Harry who commented earlier is a former local Sunderland supporter and ex Labour MP.
Comment by curly — February 9, 2008 @ 7:55 pm
Were we at the same match, Curly? I thought the atmos was great!
Wigan supporters were really well humoured too.
Comment by David Potts — February 9, 2008 @ 8:58 pm
[...] councillor Jim Capstick, leader of the South Shields Progressives (pictured) in relation to the official breakdown of the Independent Alliance; “In response to your query I confirm that the whisper is correct and I have released the [...]
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