In this edition of ‘Views From The Ground’, Parliament Street hears from Douglas Hansen- Luke. Douglas is the Conservative Candidate for Walsall North in the West Midlands.
I’ve been following Douglas and his campaign closely on Facebook and have been incredibly impressed with his ability to use social media as a means to campaign. Now on my morning commute, I feel as if I’m just as up to date with the news in Walsall, as I am with the major issues of the day.
UK polling report have Walsall North as a Labour marginal seat and one to look out for on election night. In 2010 Labour’s incumbent candidate, David Winnick, gained 37% of the vote compared to 34.3% for the Conservatives who came in second. David Winnick has represented the seat since 1979 and he’s put himself forward as the Labour candidate again.
Today I was fortunate to catch a few moments with Douglas, to ask him how the campaign was going.
As of 2010 Walsall North became a marginal seat
How are you finding the campaign so far?
“Exhilarating, Challenging. Fun. On target demographics and history this is a solid Labour seat. It’s 40/40 because the incumbent has taken his voters for granted and made no real changes. This is a personal campaign and it’s locals’ view of the candidates, their experience, energy and commitment that will determine anything other than a Labour victory.”
What has been your favourite experience so far?
“Working with Young People, I’ve created the Vision Exchange Foundation. Set up to encourage hope and ambition its aims to provide a different perspective for Walsall’s youth. Inspirational speakers, visits to exciting employers or universities, trips to Parliament, work experience and even an expedition to the Nile. All designed to show young people that we’ve got great opportunities in Walsall, the Black Country and the UK and our young people can achieve anything!”
What challenges have you faced?
“Well, the Association had a membership of nine and one Councillor out of 21. There were few local activists and reaching out to residents required innovative approaches. Working on social media I feel that Ashley Bullard, our Social Media Manager, has created one of the great success stories of not only our campaign but the Conservatives overall. With nearly 4,000 likes and a weekly reach of sometimes past 70,000, he’s really helped raise my profile and publicise the ultra-local work we’ve done. On the activist side, Team2015 has been a real boon and Jack Matthews working with MailChimp and local student unions has made a real difference. We now have over 200 volunteers available and booked for polling day. The final challenge was to persuade constituents that I could relate to local issues and make a difference. The area is ultra local and my experience and career has been ultra-international. Yes, I was selected by locals at an Open Primary, but weekly surgeries across our most important polling districts have meant that I’ve genuinely connected and gained an understanding of local issues. It’s also meant that we’ve now got a track record of 49 solid achievements which can prove that the Conservatives aren’t just talk. It’s Social Action and grass-roots canvassing in action but its taken dedication, determination and discipline by myself and our team to make that happen. It couldn’t have happened without local activist, Jas Sangha, on the ground and the support of our Campaign Director, John Young, with advice and support.”
What is the main issue facing the people of Walsall North?
“The chief issue facing Walsall North is moving away from a culture of dependency and despondency to one of hope and ambition. For 35 years, people have been told that they’re victims and that they need the Government to solve all their problems. The truth is that locals have talent, are resilient and given the opportunity and faith they can be great. Two of our colleges were the first to be ranked outstanding in their categories, some of our companies are really thriving and unemployment has halved since 2010. To really ensure that this positive movement remains, we need to really work with our young. To focus on standards, discipline, education and training. This is not easy but I see no reason why our future here should not better than our past.
The people of Walsall need an MP who will be energetic, engaged and accessible. They need someone who will build them up and encourage self-reliance. It is only by celebrating success and independence that we can be strong enough to support those most in need.”
To find out more about Douglas’s campaign and ways you can help, click here
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