RESPECT CONTINUES ADVANCES IN PRESTON (continued)

Socialist Resistance no25 | page 5-6

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It was a tall order to oust the sitting do-nothing Labour MP in Birmingham Small Heath and Sparkbrook at the first attempt, but Salma Yaqoob obtained over 10,000 votes, coming a good second and

only three thousand from winning. Roger Godsiff, whose only comment during the Salma Yaqoob campaign

was to make a racist appeal to white voters must now feel pretty uncomfortable. If the presence of Respect in the area is maintained and complemented by high profile campaigning on such issues as housing and poverty, as well as the war, he could be deposed next time.

The vote obtained was far higher than the Socialist Alliance obtained in the last election and, by bringing in a whole new layer of non-white activists, it represents a qualitative step forwards.

In the other Birmigham constituency where Respect stood, Perry Barr, Dr. Naseem obtained a smaller but significant vote, saving his deposit.

Socialist Resistance. supporters were mainly active in Small Heath and Sparkbrook but now look forwards to developing Respect in more areas of the city. The Council elections will be upon us next year, and we cannot let the momentum dip in the meantime.