THE RESULT of Thursday's by-election in Edge It was generally recognised that it had become a marginal seat despite the Labour majority of 6,000 at the last general election. But no-one could have expected Labour to lose 8,000 votes - despite the government's record.
This was a wholly working class consuluency that had voted Labour for the last thirty years, each time returning Sir Arthur Irvine, an MP who The Labour candidate this time, Bob Wereing, was a left. clearly not going to tolerate any criticism of the government's policies.
The result was a dramatic condemnation of the government's record of cutting wages, closing hospitals, nurseries, and allowing employment to double.
The Liberals became alternative because at least they promised to mend the roofs.
The result is an indication of the clear need for militants to fight both inside the Labour Party for a socialist alternative.
Desptie the comings of the Socialist Unit campaign, partly due to time and resources, SU supporters in Liverpool -were standing in the by-election SCHOOS STU are absolutely convinced of the un- need to fight in the general an A decision on whether to stand again in Edge Hill or in another Liverpool constituency will be taken later this week.
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