WalesHome.org

Huw's campaign as viewed from the inside

“Yes, the days have been very long, but hugely rewarding. Huw has a young, enthusiastic campaign team and that has really helped keep a positive vibe going throughout. There’s a sense really that we are on a joint mission, not just to get Huw elected as the next leader, but also to show Welsh Labour at its best – to put new ideas on the table about policy and campaigning. It is an incredible opportunity to re-ignite the party, and Welsh politics – to get people thinking about new economic policies, co-operative values, intellectual property, credit unions – new ideas on the developing the language, tackling rural poverty.

“If that doesn’t get you up early and keep you working late then nothing will.

“When I think about the questions people like Neil Kinnock and Jon Cruddas asked about the campaign right at the start, the first question was always – ‘Who are the young members backing, the researchers, the future of the party?’ And whilst it wouldn’t be fair to suggest we have a total monopoly on younger members, that is unquestionably one of our campaign’s strengths. It really marks Huw out as someone with regard for the future of the party and it really delights members of all ages to see so many young, gifted people excited and motivated by Labour politics.

“It can get frustrating when you see other people picking up on Huw’s ideas and presenting them as their own – projects and policies that have been developed and articulated over many months and years – but in the long run its heartening to see the agenda move in that direction.

“Working for the candidate who has surprised people, confounded expectations, it is less likely that you get down and frustrated because every step forward is a bonus. To get from a position on the backbenches to where Huw is now – front and centre in Welsh politics, driving the agenda forward that is a tremendous achievement in itself. But we’re not settling for that, we won’t rest until 5.01pm on Thursday. Our contact rate of approximately 65% is testament to the fact that we are going after every available vote.

“Huw’s messages about the economy, about child poverty and about reforming the party chime with members because they haven’t come out of the blue. There is years of context behind what Huw is saying – and crucially for party members, Huw has never flagged up a problem for the sake of a cheap headline. Huw has never pointed to a problem – in the party or in Government – without offering a solution too. That’s the way a true radical works and people respond to that.”

We’ve printed this in full because the views expressed are clear and offer a particular insight into the way the campaign perceives itself and its impact. Of particular note to me were the figures on contact rate (the first time any candidate has shared such data, I think) and also the comparative references. If Huw’s team is young and energetic, what does that make the other two? Who has been picking up on Huw’s ideas and presenting them as their own? And has a candidate really been flagging up a problem for the sake of a cheap headline?

Another weekend, another press statement in code. An innocent like me couldn’t possibly begin to decipher it.