25.04.2001

A candidate's diary

CPGB member Lawrie Coombs is the Socialist Alliance prospective parliamentary candidate for Stockton South

Tuesday April 17 Make some last-minute alterations to a leaflet design for a final draft. Badgered by Weekly Worker editor to supply photograph of myself for this column, having avoided the issue for some time. Not a pretty sight. Off to work.

Wednesday April 18 On way to work again (an overnight shift), I go to visit John, a long-time CPGB supporter, who unfortunately is not as mobile as he would like. We talk about the old CPGB (and the newer version), the Socialist Alliance and my candidacy. I pester him about meetings and hopefully I will see him again soon.

Thursday April 19 Attend a meeting of CPGB members on Tyneside. Discuss various things, including the need to get involved in my own campaign and those in Newcastle. Some impatience at the programme of the alliance and the frustrating political conservatism of some of the component groups. Hopefully will get some graft out of these rascals.

Friday April 20 Go straight from work to a Communist Party forum on the subject of the Socialist Alliance programme. A number of younger comrades turn up to hear CPGB and Socialist Party speakers battle it out. A few beers later, I hit the sack.

Monday April 23 After a ridiculously long weekend shift I leave home at 7am and finish work at 5.30pm. Attend a meeting of the Unison united left. Several useful contacts made. Over 10 comrades take a copy of the Weekly Worker (only a few on tick!). More useful discussions on the prospects for the SA.

Tuesday April 24 Out leafleting. Email report to grumpy editor.