Now that the dust has settled on the General Election of 2010 (or what many were calling the “first general election of 2010!), it is a good time to take stock and share some of the stories of the campaign.
CSM has never been so involved in a campaign as in this one, both during the weeks of the short campaign, and the preparatory work before it. Since last summer CSM members had been linking up PPCs and sitting MPs with church members and leaders across the country through our marginals project. We wrote an official Labour booklet on interacting with faith groups for all candidates, and ran training sessions at party conference. We helped co-ordinate election strategy with relation to Christians in particular, affording many opportunities to reiterate our policy objectives.
Through Paul Burgin’s work as campaigns co-ordinator, CSM members and branches were directed to specific campaigning days in various parts of the country to support CSM candidates. Many local parties reported their surprise at the level of support that Christians seemed to be able to draw on. This was no better exemplified than in Luton South, where the support of many young Christians especially was vital to the incredible campaign that reversed the picture of huge losses in the south-east. From Bromsgrove to Gosport, results were bucking regional trends because many CSM members and other local Christians got involved.
The exciting thing I discovered as I went around the country was the following. Many CSM members were campaigning for the first time – and they loved it. People who had promised to come to a constituency for just one day found that they got “the bug” and ended up going back for many days. I think people were grasping the incredible opportunities that campaigning affords: one – to meet real people and hear their joys and struggles, two – to bond with local Labour party members in a way that only a shared task allows, and three – to put into words and practice what has often just been a theory of how Christians bring the kingdom into politics.
I was so proud to see the impact of groups of CSM members on various local parties. “They’re so enthusiastic”, “They’re a breath of fresh air”, “They’re so positive” were the sort of things you were hearing. Add to this the huge numbers of voters that CSM members were able to reach through interacting with churches, through speaking or hustings and you start to see why the party is waking up to what is possible.
In the spirit of that famous Battersea Dog’s home advert, let’s remember that politics is for life, not just for elections, and build on the momentum that has been achieved. Let’s not “despise the day of small beginnings”, as what starts out as a coffee, or something stronger, sharing passion with a local party member, may well lead to you being a candidate in 5 years time.
Also, let’s soberly reflect on the places where some more help from CSM members may well have made all the difference. I’m thinking in particular of Warrington South, which so easily could have gone the way of CSM member Nick Bent. I honestly believe a few more foot soldiers would have tipped the scales just enough. The people who put their heads above the parapet and take on the arduous role of being a candidate, with the long hours and constant media attention really need our practical and prayerful support. Let’s become a movement that is sensitive to places of need and able to respond, working sacrificially for our brothers and sisters. Those who got involved this time have testified that there is nothing like it.
We obviously haven’t yet had a chance to compile all the stories from the council elections as well as the parliamentary elections, so please do email us with your own reflections, and what we should be learning.
So here we are. A new political season - but one which is already ripe with opportunity for CSM. Ears are open to hear that were never listening before. I have never been more excited about my role here. We are genuinely contributing to the debate on the future of politics on the left through many conversations and hustings preparation. Please make your voice heard on the CSM forum.
And a final word of tribute to our dear friend Stephen Timms, who in his role as vice-chair for faith in the party has done an incredible job. He is also a ceaseless support to CSM. We are so glad that he has made a recovery and now returned to work, but our prayers continue to be with him after what was a shocking incident. His election result bears testimony to his hard work and commitment to his constituency. As someone said to me the other day, you don’t win the largest majority in the House of Commons without some favour on you. It is obvious that Stephen carries a favour that is not merely electoral, and we celebrate that too.
