Difference between revisions of "2017 Copeland by-election"

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(Labour right are trying to lose two by-elections. But Oldham West applies)
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The '''2017 Copeland by-election''' is scheduled to be held on 23 February 2017 (the same day as the [[2017 Stoke Central by-election]]) following the announcement of [[Tony Blair|Blairite]] MP [[Jamie Reed]]'s resignation on 21 December 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pidd|first=Helen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/dec/21/corbyn-critic-jamie-reed-quits-labour-mp-byelection-copeland|title=Corbyn critic quits as Labour MP, triggering tight byelection race|work=The Guardian|date=21 December 2016|accessdate=21 December 2016}}</ref> Reed resigned his seat on 23 January 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Manor of Northstead: Jamie Reed|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/manor-of-northstead-jamie-reed|accessdate=23 January 2017}}</ref><ref>''[http://www.ncpolitics.uk/2016/12/copeland-by-election.html/ "Copeland by-election: Is a 'once in a blue moon' result on the cards?"]''</ref> [[Teddy Ryan]], [[Tony Blair|Blairite]] Campaigns Organiser from [[East of England Labour Party|Labour's Eastern Region]] has been drafted to Copeland to ensure the result reflects badly upon [[Jeremy Corbyn]].
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{{event
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|image=2017_Copeland_by-election.jpg
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|image_width=240px
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|description=[[Tony Blair|Blairites]] aiming to lose (or to reflect badly upon [[Jeremy Corbyn]])
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|occurred=23 February 2017
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}}
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The '''2017 Copeland by-election''' is scheduled to be held on 23 February 2017 (the same day as the [[2017 Stoke Central by-election]]) following the announcement of [[Tony Blair|Blairite]] MP [[Jamie Reed]]'s resignation on 21 December 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pidd|first=Helen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/dec/21/corbyn-critic-jamie-reed-quits-labour-mp-byelection-copeland|title=Corbyn critic quits as Labour MP, triggering tight byelection race|work=The Guardian|date=21 December 2016|accessdate=21 December 2016}}</ref>
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The Blairite Copeland Constituency Labour Party then selected [[Gillian Troughton]], another Blairite and [[Jeremy Corbyn|Corbyn critic]], to succeed him.<ref>''[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/labour-copeland-gillian-troughton-candidate-9655532 "Labour unveils Gill Troughton as its candidate for the tricky Copeland by-election"]''</ref>
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[[Teddy Ryan]], [[Tony Blair|Blairite]] Campaigns Organiser from [[East of England Labour Party|Labour's Eastern Region]] has been drafted to Copeland to ensure the result reflects badly upon [[Jeremy Corbyn]].<ref>''[https://skwawkbox.org/2017/01/23/labour-right-are-trying-to-lose-two-by-elections-but-oldham-west-applies/ "Labour right are trying to lose two by-elections. But Oldham West applies"]''</ref>
  
 
==Background==
 
==Background==
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==Candidates==
 
==Candidates==
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<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/labour-copeland-gillian-troughton-candidate-9655532 "Labour unveils Gill Troughton as its candidate for the tricky Copeland by-election"]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukip.org/local_nhs_worker_selected_as_ukip_candidate_for_the_copeland_by_election|title=Local NHS worker selected as UKIP candidate for the Copeland by-election|website=ukip.org|date=20 January 2017|accessdate=24 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2017/01/24/green-party-announces-anti-nuclear-copeland-by-election-candidate/|date=24 January 2017|title=Green Party announces anti-nuclear Copeland by-election candidate|website=Green Party|accessdate=24 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38705088|date=30 January 2017|title=Copeland by-election: Candidates list|website=BBC News|accessdate=31 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Statement of Persons Nominated|url=http://www.copeland.gov.uk/sites/default/files/attachments/statement_of_persons_nom.pdf|website=Copeland Council|accessdate=31 January 2017}}</ref>
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Seven candidates were nominated for election as a Member of Parliament for the Copeland constituency.<ref>{{cite web|title=Statement of Persons Nominated|url=http://www.copeland.gov.uk/sites/default/files/attachments/statement_of_persons_nom.pdf|website=Copeland Council|accessdate=31 January 2017}}</ref> In alphabetical order, they are:
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* [[Michael Guest]] - Independent
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* [[Rebecca Hanson]] - Liberal Democrats
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* [[Trudy Harrison]] - Conservatives
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* [[Roy Ivinson]] - Independent
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* [[Jack Lenox]] - Green Party
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* [[Fiona Mills]] - UKIP
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* [[Gillian Troughton]] - Labour<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38705088|date=30 January 2017|title=Copeland by-election: Candidates list|website=BBC News|accessdate=31 January 2017}}</ref>
  
 
===Labour===
 
===Labour===
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Gillian Troughton, a Borough and County Councillor, was selected as the Labour Party Candidate on 19 January.<ref>{{cite web|title=Labour shortlist for Copeland revealed|url=http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk/news/Labour-shortlist-for-Copeland-revealed-315c34ad-7b85-41cd-9b20-e168c9ba96bf-ds|website=The Whitehaven News|accessdate=13 January 2017}}</ref> During the [[EU Referendum]], Troughton had been an active remain campaigner.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/millom/Labour-name-their-candidate-for-Copeland-by-election-5d3d0ee0-86c2-472c-a6e8-d3f0ebeef975-ds|title=Labour name their candidate for Copeland by-election|work=North West Evening Mail|date=20 January 2017|accessdate=24 January 2017}}</ref> The short list to be Labour's candidate, announced on 12 January, had included Barbara Cannon, a former Borough and County Councillor, Rachel Holliday, founder of Calderwood House hostel and Troughton. Longlisted candidates had included [[Thomas Docherty (politician)|Thomas Docherty]], who was the MP for [[Dunfermline and West Fife]] from 2010-5 and had previously applied to be the Copeland candidate, before losing to Reed.<ref name="uk.businessinsider.com">{{cite web|url=http://uk.businessinsider.com/labour-tory-candidates-for-copeland-by-election-2017-1|title=Labour set to reject big name candidate in Copeland by-election battle|publisher=|accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref> [[Andrew Gwynne]], shadow cabinet minister without portfolio, is Labour's campaign manager.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://labourlist.org/2017/01/gwynne-pledges-fightback-as-corbyn-asks-him-to-spearhead-copeland-by-election-bid/|title=Gwynne pledges fightback as Corbyn asks him to spearhead Copeland by-election bid - LabourList|date=3 January 2017|publisher=|accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref>
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[[Gillian Troughton]], a Borough and County Councillor, was selected as the [[Labour Party]] Candidate on 19 January 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Labour shortlist for Copeland revealed|url=http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk/news/Labour-shortlist-for-Copeland-revealed-315c34ad-7b85-41cd-9b20-e168c9ba96bf-ds|website=The Whitehaven News|accessdate=13 January 2017}}</ref> During the [[EU Referendum]], Troughton had been an active ''Remain'' campaigner.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/millom/Labour-name-their-candidate-for-Copeland-by-election-5d3d0ee0-86c2-472c-a6e8-d3f0ebeef975-ds|title=Labour name their candidate for Copeland by-election|work=North West Evening Mail|date=20 January 2017|accessdate=24 January 2017}}</ref> The short list to be Labour's candidate, announced on 12 January, had included Barbara Cannon, a former Borough and County Councillor, Rachel Holliday, founder of Calderwood House hostel and Troughton. Longlisted candidates had included [[Thomas Docherty (politician)|Thomas Docherty]], who was the MP for [[Dunfermline and West Fife]] from 2010-5 and had previously applied to be the Copeland candidate, before losing to Reed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.businessinsider.com/labour-tory-candidates-for-copeland-by-election-2017-1|title=Labour set to reject big name candidate in Copeland by-election battle|publisher=|accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref> [[Andrew Gwynne]], shadow cabinet minister without portfolio, is Labour's campaign manager.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://labourlist.org/2017/01/gwynne-pledges-fightback-as-corbyn-asks-him-to-spearhead-copeland-by-election-bid/|title=Gwynne pledges fightback as Corbyn asks him to spearhead Copeland by-election bid - LabourList|date=3 January 2017|publisher=|accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref>
  
 
===Conservatives===
 
===Conservatives===
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On 25 January, Trudy Harrison was selected as the party's candidate. Harrison lives locally in the village of [[Bootle, Cumbria|Bootle]] and had previously worked at Sellafield.<ref name="25 January 2017">{{cite web|title=Trudy Harrison selected as Conservative candidate for Copeland|url=http://www.cumbriacrack.com/2017/01/25/trudy-harrison-selected-conservative-candidate-copeland/|website=Cumbria Crack}}</ref> The Conservatives will highlight lower unemployment locally and improved standards in local schools.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.conservativehome.com/parliament/2016/12/a-big-by-election-test-for-may-the-labour-mp-for-marginal-copeland-resigns.html|title=A big by-election test for May. The Labour MP for marginal Copeland resigns. - Conservative Home|publisher=|accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.conservativehome.com/localgovernment/2017/01/local-results-suggest-copeland-by-election-will-be-a-challenge-for-the-conservatives.html|title=Local results suggest Copeland by-election will be a challenge for the Conservatives - Conservative Home|publisher=|accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref> Possible Conservative candidate choices had included Stephen Haraldsen, their candidate in 2015, and Chris Whiteside, a former parliamentary candidate and their candidate in the 2015 Copeland mayoral election.
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On 25 January, Trudy Harrison was selected as the party's candidate. Harrison lives locally in the village of Bootle and had previously worked at Sellafield.<ref>{{cite web|title=Trudy Harrison selected as Conservative candidate for Copeland|url=http://www.cumbriacrack.com/2017/01/25/trudy-harrison-selected-conservative-candidate-copeland/|website=Cumbria Crack}}</ref> The Conservatives will highlight lower unemployment locally and improved standards in local schools.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.conservativehome.com/parliament/2016/12/a-big-by-election-test-for-may-the-labour-mp-for-marginal-copeland-resigns.html|title=A big by-election test for May. The Labour MP for marginal Copeland resigns. - Conservative Home|publisher=|accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.conservativehome.com/localgovernment/2017/01/local-results-suggest-copeland-by-election-will-be-a-challenge-for-the-conservatives.html|title=Local results suggest Copeland by-election will be a challenge for the Conservatives - Conservative Home|publisher=|accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref> Possible Conservative candidate choices had included Stephen Haraldsen, their candidate in 2015, and Chris Whiteside, a former parliamentary candidate and their candidate in the 2015 Copeland mayoral election.
  
 
===UK Independence Party===
 
===UK Independence Party===
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UKIP's West Cumbria Branch selected as their candidate [[Fiona Mills]], a local NHS worker, member of UKIP's NEC and county chairwoman who had previously stood as the party's candidate in [[Carlisle]] in the 2015 General Election.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/border/2017-01-20/ukip-announces-local-nhs-worker-as-by-election-candidate/|title=UKIP announces local NHS worker as by-election candidate|work=ITV.com|accessdate=1 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bbc.in/2jSRfsW|title=UKIP picks county chairman as Copeland candidate|work=BBC.co.uk|accessdate=1 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38589306|title=Copeland by-election goes nuclear|first=Ross|last=Hawkins|date=12 January 2017|publisher=|accessdate=13 January 2017|website=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/Labour-to-decide-on-Copeland-by-election-candidate-tonight-75c8639a-d2ee-428a-a150-7815e580a60f-ds|title=Labour to decide on Copeland by-election candidate tonight|publisher=News & Star|accessdate=19 January 2017}}</ref> UKIP leader [[Paul Nuttall]] ruled himself out of standing, initially to focus on a potential by-election in [[Leigh]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/UKIP/status/817300585124872195|title=UKIP on Twitter|publisher=|accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref> then to contest the [[2017 Stoke Central by-election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/central/2017-01-18/paul-nuttall-will-be-ukip-candidate-for-stoke-by-election/|title=Paul Nuttall 'will be UKIP candidate' for Stoke by-election|publisher=ITV|accessdate=18 January 2017}}</ref>
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UKIP's West Cumbria Branch selected as their candidate [[Fiona Mills]], a local NHS worker, member of UKIP's NEC and county chairwoman who had previously stood as the party's candidate in [[Carlisle]] in the 2015 General Election.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukip.org/local_nhs_worker_selected_as_ukip_candidate_for_the_copeland_by_election|title=Local NHS worker selected as UKIP candidate for the Copeland by-election|website=ukip.org|date=20 January 2017|accessdate=24 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/border/2017-01-20/ukip-announces-local-nhs-worker-as-by-election-candidate/|title=UKIP announces local NHS worker as by-election candidate|work=ITV.com|accessdate=1 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bbc.in/2jSRfsW|title=UKIP picks county chairman as Copeland candidate|work=BBC.co.uk|accessdate=1 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38589306|title=Copeland by-election goes nuclear|first=Ross|last=Hawkins|date=12 January 2017|publisher=|accessdate=13 January 2017|website=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/Labour-to-decide-on-Copeland-by-election-candidate-tonight-75c8639a-d2ee-428a-a150-7815e580a60f-ds|title=Labour to decide on Copeland by-election candidate tonight|publisher=News & Star|accessdate=19 January 2017}}</ref> UKIP leader [[Paul Nuttall]] ruled himself out of standing, initially to focus on a potential by-election in [[Leigh]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/UKIP/status/817300585124872195|title=UKIP on Twitter|publisher=|accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref> then to contest the [[2017 Stoke Central by-election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/central/2017-01-18/paul-nuttall-will-be-ukip-candidate-for-stoke-by-election/|title=Paul Nuttall 'will be UKIP candidate' for Stoke by-election|publisher=ITV|accessdate=18 January 2017}}</ref>
  
 
===Liberal Democrats===
 
===Liberal Democrats===
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The Liberal Democrat candidate was confirmed on 12 January 2017 as Cockermouth Town Councillor, Rebecca Hanson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/latest/Lib-Dems-announce-MP-candidate-for-Copeland-4be6009b-8305-4937-bbbd-701ab091d097-ds|title=Lib Dems announce MP candidate for Copeland|work=News and Star|accessdate=13 January 2017}}</ref> She is highlighting [[Brexit]] and the NHS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libdemvoice.org/could-rebecca-hanson-be-fighting-a-long-game-in-copeland-52951.html#utm_source=tweet&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=twitter|title=Could Rebecca Hanson be fighting a long game in Copeland?|publisher=Lib Dem Voice|accessdate=13 January 2017}}</ref>
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The Liberal Democrat candidate was confirmed on 12 January 2017 as Cockermouth Town Councillor, [[Rebecca Hanson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/latest/Lib-Dems-announce-MP-candidate-for-Copeland-4be6009b-8305-4937-bbbd-701ab091d097-ds|title=Lib Dems announce MP candidate for Copeland|work=News and Star|accessdate=13 January 2017}}</ref> She is highlighting [[Brexit]] and the NHS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.libdemvoice.org/could-rebecca-hanson-be-fighting-a-long-game-in-copeland-52951.html#utm_source=tweet&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=twitter|title=Could Rebecca Hanson be fighting a long game in Copeland?|publisher=Lib Dem Voice|accessdate=13 January 2017}}</ref>
  
 
===Green Party===
 
===Green Party===
−
On 24 January 2017, the Green Party announced Jack Lenox, a local software engineer, as their candidate for the by-election. Given the party's opposition to nuclear power and the importance of the nuclear industry in the constituency, their campaign may attract more publicity than normal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bright-green.org/2016/12/28/the-greens-must-stand-in-the-copeland-by-election/|title=The Greens must stand in the Copeland by-election|first=Alex|last=Powell|date=28 December 2016|publisher=|accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref> They also said that their candidate would be contesting an "anti-nuclear and anti-poverty campaign".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2017/01/13/green-party-to-stand-in-copeland-by-election/|title=Green Party to stand in Copeland by-election|date=13 January 2017|publisher=|accessdate=13 January 2017}}</ref>
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On 24 January 2017, the Green Party announced [[Jack Lenox]], a local software engineer, as their candidate for the by-election.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2017/01/24/green-party-announces-anti-nuclear-copeland-by-election-candidate/|date=24 January 2017|title=Green Party announces anti-nuclear Copeland by-election candidate|website=Green Party|accessdate=24 January 2017}}</ref> Given the party's opposition to nuclear power and the importance of the nuclear industry in the constituency, their campaign may attract more publicity than normal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bright-green.org/2016/12/28/the-greens-must-stand-in-the-copeland-by-election/|title=The Greens must stand in the Copeland by-election|first=Alex|last=Powell|date=28 December 2016|publisher=|accessdate=11 January 2017}}</ref> They also said that their candidate would be contesting an "anti-nuclear and anti-poverty campaign".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2017/01/13/green-party-to-stand-in-copeland-by-election/|title=Green Party to stand in Copeland by-election|date=13 January 2017|publisher=|accessdate=13 January 2017}}</ref>
  
 
===Independents===
 
===Independents===
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Two independent candidates are also standing. Copeland borough and Whitehaven town councillor Michael Guest announced his candidacy on 31 January, saying he was aimed to represent people "dissatisfied with party politics".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/West-Cumbrian-councillor-aims-to-be-Copelands-next-MP-87b83361-63ad-49cf-9425-449e1a50e86a-ds|title=West Cumbrian councillor aims to be Copeland's next MP|date=31 January 2017|publisher=News & Star|accessdate=31 January 2017}}</ref> Whitehaven market stall holder Roy Ivinson, who has also submitted nomination papers, has previously stood for seats in the area on a platform of stopping global warming.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cwherald.com/a/archive/it-can-t-be-surely-a-truthful-non-political-would-be-politician-at-election-time.441466.html|title=IT can’t be, surely? A truthful non-political would-be politician at election time?|date=17 April 2015|publisher=Cumberland & Westmorland Herald|accessdate=31 January 2017}}</ref>
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Two independent candidates are also standing. Copeland borough and Whitehaven town councillor [[Michael Guest]] announced his candidacy on 31 January, saying he was aimed to represent people "dissatisfied with party politics".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/West-Cumbrian-councillor-aims-to-be-Copelands-next-MP-87b83361-63ad-49cf-9425-449e1a50e86a-ds|title=West Cumbrian councillor aims to be Copeland's next MP|date=31 January 2017|publisher=News & Star|accessdate=31 January 2017}}</ref> Whitehaven market stall holder [[Roy Ivinson]], who has also submitted nomination papers, has previously stood for seats in the area on a platform of stopping global warming.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cwherald.com/a/archive/it-can-t-be-surely-a-truthful-non-political-would-be-politician-at-election-time.441466.html|title=IT can’t be, surely? A truthful non-political would-be politician at election time?|date=17 April 2015|publisher=Cumberland & Westmorland Herald|accessdate=31 January 2017}}</ref>
  
 
==Campaign==
 
==Campaign==
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Trade unions have claimed that government cuts to Sellafield's employee pension scheme could "threaten the Conservatives' chances of winning the byelection".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/dec/28/sellafield-tory-conservative-byelection-cumbria-unions-copeland|title=Sellafield unrest could dent Tory byelection chances, unions warn|first=Helen Pidd North of England|last=editor|date=28 December 2016|publisher=|accessdate=11 January 2017|via=The Guardian}}</ref>
 
Trade unions have claimed that government cuts to Sellafield's employee pension scheme could "threaten the Conservatives' chances of winning the byelection".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/dec/28/sellafield-tory-conservative-byelection-cumbria-unions-copeland|title=Sellafield unrest could dent Tory byelection chances, unions warn|first=Helen Pidd North of England|last=editor|date=28 December 2016|publisher=|accessdate=11 January 2017|via=The Guardian}}</ref>
  
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The Conservatives have instead focused on Labour leader [[Jeremy Corbyn]] and his long-standing opposition to nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. The constituency contains the Sellafield nuclear plant, and nuclear submarines are built in nearby Barrow-in-Furness, and Conservative election literature highlighted the potential risks to the Cumbrian economy of Labour policies. Labour campaigners responded that Corbyn's views do not represent the views of the Labour Party. The Conservatives have also campaigned on a pro-[[Brexit]] line, suggesting that voting Conservative would ensure that [[Brexit]] is delivered, whereas voting Labour would encourage Labour to "ignore and forget ... the EU referendum".<ref>[https://www.conservatives.com/leavingtheeucumbria "Tory propaganda"]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jan/25/tories-choose-candidates-for-copeland-and-stoke-central-byelections|title=Tories and Labour pick candidates for Copeland and Stoke byelections|first=Press|last=Association|date=25 January 2017|publisher=|accessdate=2 February 2017|via=The Guardian}}</ref>
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The Conservatives have instead focused on Labour leader [[Jeremy Corbyn]] and his long-standing opposition to nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. The constituency contains the Sellafield nuclear plant, and nuclear submarines are built in nearby Barrow-in-Furness, and Conservative election literature highlighted the potential risks to the Cumbrian economy of Labour policies. Labour campaigners responded that Corbyn's views do not represent the views of the Labour Party. The Conservatives have also campaigned on a pro-[[Brexit]] line, suggesting that voting Conservative would ensure that [[Brexit]] is delivered, whereas voting Labour would encourage Labour to "ignore and forget ... the EU referendum".<ref>''[https://www.conservatives.com/leavingtheeucumbria "Tory propaganda"]''</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jan/25/tories-choose-candidates-for-copeland-and-stoke-central-byelections|title=Tories and Labour pick candidates for Copeland and Stoke byelections|first=Press|last=Association|date=25 January 2017|publisher=|accessdate=2 February 2017|via=The Guardian}}</ref>
 
{{SMWDocs}}
 
{{SMWDocs}}
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>

Revision as of 18:46, 8 February 2017

Event.png 2017 Copeland by-election Rdf-entity.pngRdf-icon.png
2017 Copeland by-election.jpg
Date23 February 2017
DescriptionBlairites aiming to lose (or to reflect badly upon Jeremy Corbyn)

The 2017 Copeland by-election is scheduled to be held on 23 February 2017 (the same day as the 2017 Stoke Central by-election) following the announcement of Blairite MP Jamie Reed's resignation on 21 December 2016.[1]

The Blairite Copeland Constituency Labour Party then selected Gillian Troughton, another Blairite and Corbyn critic, to succeed him.[2]

Teddy Ryan, Blairite Campaigns Organiser from Labour's Eastern Region has been drafted to Copeland to ensure the result reflects badly upon Jeremy Corbyn.[3]

Background

The incumbent Labour MP Jamie Reed announced his resignation in order to become new Head of Development & Community Relations at Sellafield Ltd,[4] where he had worked before becoming a politician. He has been a noted critic of the Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.[5][6][7]

Copeland and its predecessor seat have been represented by Labour since 1935. Although Reed supported 'Britain Stronger in Europe', his constituency voted heavily to leave in the June 2016 EU Referendum. Because the constituency is not coterminous with any local authority, the exact result is not known. Chris Hanretty, a Reader in Politics at the University of East Anglia, estimated through a demographic model that in Copeland, 60% of voters voted 'Leave'.[8][9]

Candidates

Seven candidates were nominated for election as a Member of Parliament for the Copeland constituency.[10] In alphabetical order, they are:

Labour

Gillian Troughton, a Borough and County Councillor, was selected as the Labour Party Candidate on 19 January 2017.[12] During the EU Referendum, Troughton had been an active Remain campaigner.[13] The short list to be Labour's candidate, announced on 12 January, had included Barbara Cannon, a former Borough and County Councillor, Rachel Holliday, founder of Calderwood House hostel and Troughton. Longlisted candidates had included Thomas Docherty, who was the MP for Dunfermline and West Fife from 2010-5 and had previously applied to be the Copeland candidate, before losing to Reed.[14] Andrew Gwynne, shadow cabinet minister without portfolio, is Labour's campaign manager.[15]

Conservatives

On 25 January, Trudy Harrison was selected as the party's candidate. Harrison lives locally in the village of Bootle and had previously worked at Sellafield.[16] The Conservatives will highlight lower unemployment locally and improved standards in local schools.[17][18] Possible Conservative candidate choices had included Stephen Haraldsen, their candidate in 2015, and Chris Whiteside, a former parliamentary candidate and their candidate in the 2015 Copeland mayoral election.

UK Independence Party

UKIP's West Cumbria Branch selected as their candidate Fiona Mills, a local NHS worker, member of UKIP's NEC and county chairwoman who had previously stood as the party's candidate in Carlisle in the 2015 General Election.[19][20][21][22][23] UKIP leader Paul Nuttall ruled himself out of standing, initially to focus on a potential by-election in Leigh,[24] then to contest the 2017 Stoke Central by-election.[25]

Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrat candidate was confirmed on 12 January 2017 as Cockermouth Town Councillor, Rebecca Hanson.[26] She is highlighting Brexit and the NHS.[27]

Green Party

On 24 January 2017, the Green Party announced Jack Lenox, a local software engineer, as their candidate for the by-election.[28] Given the party's opposition to nuclear power and the importance of the nuclear industry in the constituency, their campaign may attract more publicity than normal.[29] They also said that their candidate would be contesting an "anti-nuclear and anti-poverty campaign".[30]

Independents

Two independent candidates are also standing. Copeland borough and Whitehaven town councillor Michael Guest announced his candidacy on 31 January, saying he was aimed to represent people "dissatisfied with party politics".[31] Whitehaven market stall holder Roy Ivinson, who has also submitted nomination papers, has previously stood for seats in the area on a platform of stopping global warming.[32]

Campaign

An early issue in the campaign has been plans to downgrade maternity services at West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven. The plans have been defended by Conservative Prime Minister, Theresa May. In response to Labour criticism, the Conservative campaign said that decisions about local hospitals were the responsibility of the local NHS trust.

Trade unions have claimed that government cuts to Sellafield's employee pension scheme could "threaten the Conservatives' chances of winning the byelection".[33]

The Conservatives have instead focused on Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his long-standing opposition to nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. The constituency contains the Sellafield nuclear plant, and nuclear submarines are built in nearby Barrow-in-Furness, and Conservative election literature highlighted the potential risks to the Cumbrian economy of Labour policies. Labour campaigners responded that Corbyn's views do not represent the views of the Labour Party. The Conservatives have also campaigned on a pro-Brexit line, suggesting that voting Conservative would ensure that Brexit is delivered, whereas voting Labour would encourage Labour to "ignore and forget ... the EU referendum".[34][35]

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References

  1. ↑ {{URL|example.com|optional display text}}
  2. ↑ "Labour unveils Gill Troughton as its candidate for the tricky Copeland by-election"
  3. ↑ "Labour right are trying to lose two by-elections. But Oldham West applies"
  4. ↑ {{URL|example.com|optional display text}}
  5. ↑ "'We don't do Corbyn here': Labour activists fear defeat in Copeland by-election". Retrieved 11 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  6. ↑ Sparrow, Andrew (23 December 2016). "Who will win the Copeland byelection?". Retrieved 11 January 2017 – via The Guardian.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  7. ↑ "Labour election majority 'currently unthinkable'". Sky News. Retrieved 13 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  8. ↑ "Revised estimates of leave vote in Westminster constituencies". Retrieved 26 October 2016.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  9. ↑ "Copeland by-election: Is a "once in a blue moon" result on the cards?". Number Cruncher Politics. Retrieved 24 December 2016.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  10. ↑ "Statement of Persons Nominated" (PDF). Copeland Council. Retrieved 31 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  11. ↑ "Copeland by-election: Candidates list". BBC News. 30 January 2017. Retrieved 31 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  12. ↑ "Labour shortlist for Copeland revealed". The Whitehaven News. Retrieved 13 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  13. ↑ {{URL|example.com|optional display text}}
  14. ↑ "Labour set to reject big name candidate in Copeland by-election battle". Retrieved 11 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  15. ↑ "Gwynne pledges fightback as Corbyn asks him to spearhead Copeland by-election bid - LabourList". 3 January 2017. Retrieved 11 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  16. ↑ "Trudy Harrison selected as Conservative candidate for Copeland". Cumbria Crack.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  17. ↑ "A big by-election test for May. The Labour MP for marginal Copeland resigns. - Conservative Home". Retrieved 11 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  18. ↑ "Local results suggest Copeland by-election will be a challenge for the Conservatives - Conservative Home". Retrieved 11 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  19. ↑ "Local NHS worker selected as UKIP candidate for the Copeland by-election". ukip.org. 20 January 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  20. ↑ "UKIP announces local NHS worker as by-election candidate". ITV.com. Retrieved 1 February 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  21. ↑ "UKIP picks county chairman as Copeland candidate". BBC.co.uk. Retrieved 1 February 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  22. ↑ Hawkins, Ross (12 January 2017). "Copeland by-election goes nuclear". BBC News. Retrieved 13 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  23. ↑ "Labour to decide on Copeland by-election candidate tonight". News & Star. Retrieved 19 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  24. ↑ "UKIP on Twitter". Retrieved 11 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  25. ↑ "Paul Nuttall 'will be UKIP candidate' for Stoke by-election". ITV. Retrieved 18 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  26. ↑ "Lib Dems announce MP candidate for Copeland". News and Star. Retrieved 13 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  27. ↑ "Could Rebecca Hanson be fighting a long game in Copeland?". Lib Dem Voice. Retrieved 13 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  28. ↑ "Green Party announces anti-nuclear Copeland by-election candidate". Green Party. 24 January 2017. Retrieved 24 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  29. ↑ Powell, Alex (28 December 2016). "The Greens must stand in the Copeland by-election". Retrieved 11 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  30. ↑ "Green Party to stand in Copeland by-election". 13 January 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  31. ↑ "West Cumbrian councillor aims to be Copeland's next MP". News & Star. 31 January 2017. Retrieved 31 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  32. ↑ "IT can't be, surely? A truthful non-political would-be politician at election time?". Cumberland & Westmorland Herald. 17 April 2015. Retrieved 31 January 2017.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  33. ↑ editor, Helen Pidd North of England (28 December 2016). "Sellafield unrest could dent Tory byelection chances, unions warn". Retrieved 11 January 2017 – via The Guardian.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
  34. ↑ "Tory propaganda"
  35. ↑ Association, Press (25 January 2017). "Tories and Labour pick candidates for Copeland and Stoke byelections". Retrieved 2 February 2017 – via The Guardian.Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css must have content model "Sanitized CSS" for TemplateStyles (current model is "Scribunto").
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