As many of you will be aware, I was disappointed not to be longlisted by the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee for Vauxhall. The eventual slate of candidates, however, was very, very strong – and was delighted that Florence Eshalomi was ultimately selected as the candidate.
As my fellow candidate Belinda Washington – also unfortunately not long or shortlisted – wrote earlier in the month, getting the right mix of diverse candidates with this experience feels central to making the Labour Party work. As of this week, we are now piling straight towards a December 12 election, and looking forward to getting out on the doorsteps.
My hat should still be theoretically in the room for a couple of much less readily winnable seats west of London, and I’d still really like to be able to test this election as a candidate. If that doesn’t happen, however, I’ll still be out campaigning both locally here in South London and beyond, including with Labour Party’s Friends of the Forces network.
Running has been a fascinating experience, both for what is taught me about politics and myself. On top of the various military commitments I’ve had for the Army Reserve, it’s helped to make this one of the most interesting and rewarding years I’ve had since the injury. It’s not over yet, and intrigued to see what happens next…
