Rosie Mitchell
 Rosie Mitchell      (politician, trade unionist) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1987 |
| Alma mater | University of Aberdeen |
| Party | Independent Socialist |
Rosie Mitchell is a train conductor with GWR since August 2018 and is a member of the RMT union.[1] She is an ex-Labour Party member (2016-2020).
Rosie Mitchell stood as the Independent Socialist candidate in the 2023 Somerton and Frome by-election which took place on 20 July 2023[2] and was won by Liberal Democrat Sarah Dyke.[3]
On 21 July 2023, Rosie Mitchell tweeted:
Prospectus
Campaigning
| Campaign to be Somerton and Frome's MP |
On 11 July 2023, Rosie Mitchell released her #VideoMicroManifesto:
- "A cost of living crisis, our NHS on its knees, a transport system in chaos and an absent Tory MP known for making false promises. Somerton and Frome deserves better.
- "I'm Rosie – your only independent candidate standing in the by-election for Somerton and Frome. I represent a better kind of politics – one that puts the needs of people first, not the agenda of a political party.
- "Here's how I plan to make things better for the people here in Somerset, and further afield. And I can only do so with your votes.
- "Through a destructive campaign of privatisation and austerity, our NHS is on its knees. We need to put an end to privatisation and outsourcing, and restore the NHS's founding principles. That is a service that is free at the point of use, publicly provided and accountable.
- "Our government say there's no more money for our NHS, but they're lying.
- "We can give our public services all the money they need by introducing a wealth tax, increasing income tax for just the top five per cent of earners, and finally making corporations pay their fair share.
- "As your Independent Socialist MP, I will be speaking out boldly in your interests and advocating for the changes I have laid out. My biggest strength is that I am an ordinary person, not corrupted by party politics.
- "I've been living and working alongside you in our community long-term and that gives me a unique and connected perspective on the issues we're facing.
- "We desperately need change and, with your votes, I am determined to get it for you."[5]
Funding
Rosie Mitchell started a GoFundMe page:
- I’m Rosie and I am standing as an Independent Socialist in the upcoming by-election. This fundraiser started out to cover the deposit to stand independently, after funding that in under 24 hours (thanks to your generosity and solidarity) we are now trying to push our campaign to reach as many people as possible.
- Any further donations will be used for printing election materials - leaflets, posters, etc. So we can share our message with the electorate and push real socialist policy to the wider community.
- Your support is hugely appreciated by myself and the wonderful team making this campaign possible. We are many! ❤️[6]
Endorsement
On 10 July 2023, Rosie Mitchell tweeted:
- "I had the immense privilege to meet the wonderful @KenLoachSixteen yesterday afternoon.
- "He took the time to sit with us and impart some wisdom and advice. A true gentleman, what an honour to have him endorse this campaign." ❤️ #VoteRosie #RosieForSomertonAndFrome[7]
Ken Loach endorses Rosie Mitchell:
"The current crisis needs radical changes. I support Rosie Mitchell. She stands for:
- returning the collapsing NHS to it’s first principles and removing the profiteers from health care;
- taking back our public utilities like water, to public ownership;
- an integrated transport system, owned by the people – as a railway worker, Rosie knows what she is talking about;
- an end to fossil fuels, action not words on climate change;
- peace and human rights, not slavishly following the USA’s lead.
"Rosie stands with the people she would represent and would fight on their behalf." Ken Loach – Film Director July 2023[8]
Previous incumbent
On 17 June 2023, David Warburton announced his intention to resign to the Mail on Sunday, citing his feeling that the parliamentary harassment watchdog denied him a fair hearing over claims he harassed two women. He admitted to taking cocaine after drinking whisky with a third woman. Warburton formally resigned from Parliament on 19 June 2023.
The by-election is the third facing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak following the resignations of Boris Johnson and Nigel Adams in the previous week. It is part of a group of by-elections in July 2023.[9]
References
- ↑ "Rosie Mitchell on Linkedin"
- ↑ Vote Rosie - an independent candidate for an independent Somerton and Frome"
- ↑ "Somerton and Frome Parliamentary by election result"
- ↑ "Take That Sir Kid Starver"!
- ↑ "Rosie Mitchell #VideoMicroManifesto for Somerton and Frome"
- ↑ "Independent Socialist for Somerton and Frome"
- ↑ "What an honour to have Ken Loach endorse this campaign"
- ↑ "Ken Loach endorses Rosie Mitchell"
- ↑ "Rishi Sunak facing by-election triple threat as new vote announced to replace David Warburton"
