Your Party hopes to challenge at local elections

Locals have gathered in support of a new left-wing political party that plans to be an alternative to Reform at local elections in May.

More than 70 people gathered at Broadgreen Community Centre in Swindon with more joining online at the first Your Party Swindon meeting.

Your Party was announced by the former Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, and former Labour MP, Zarah Sultana at the end of July - a founding conference is being planned before the end of the year.

Swindon community organiser, Jamie-Lee Crabtree, said locals were gathering to "build a team" ready for when the party becomes official adding "we're at a [political] turning point, something new has to come".

Kate Linnegar, Jamie-Lee Crabtree and Ed Colton are the local organisers

Charity volunteer Jamie-Lee Crabtree was part of the organising team for the first Your Party Swindon meeting.

He said he expects the party to "move fast" to establish itself nationally and offer direction on how local supporters can stand as Your Party Swindon candidates at the Swindon Borough Council elections in May.

Mr Crabtree said that the trans community, LGBTQI+ and disability groups have been "demonised" leading to a "turning point in politics where something new has to come".

He said Your Party Swindon will move away from "divisionary politics" and "unite people on common causes" adding "most people are struggling financially, the NHS is crumbling - all of our issues are very much combined".

When asked how this will be financially possible Mr Crabtree said: "That will be one for the politicians, I'm a community organiser that's just getting this project off the ground".

Primary school teacher Debbie Brown said she was backing the party

Primary school teacher, Debbie Brown, said she wanted to belong to a party that is "inclusive" and "listens to people" with a focus on family support "from the cradle to the grave", adding she was impressed by the turnout at the meeting.

During the evening several breakout sessions were held to guide the formation of the new party. During which; housing, public services, local businesses and the town centre emerged as some of the priorities for the local branch.

Natasha Linnegar said she is looking for "change"

Natasha Linnegar, 26, said she came to the meeting hoping for "change" after witnessing "things become increasingly worse" across her lifetime.

She said services have declined and politicians accept no "accountability" choosing instead to "scapegoat" groups such as migrants.

"I have faith in Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana," said Ms Linnegar adding she believed them to be "passionate people".