Labour can defeat Reform UK by prioritizing the cost of living, according to the party’s mayoral candidate for Greater Lincolnshire, Jason Stockwood, who is challenging the Conservative defector Andrea Jenkyns.
Jason Stockwood, the former chair of Grimsby Town football club, is campaigning for Labour in the highly anticipated mayoral race of the local elections.
Nigel Farage’s party views winning the mayoralty as a vital success for their local election results. Jenkyns, a former Conservative MP who switched to Reform UK after losing her seat, pledges to cut government waste with her slogan “No to net zero madness.”
Farage will launch Reform UK’s local election campaign in Lincolnshire with Jenkyns. The Conservative Party is also strongly contesting the mayoral election, where they would normally be the favorites.
Stockwood: ‘Most people, in my experience, just feel politically homeless and are fed up with the status quo.’
Labour’s chances of securing the seat appear to be low. Nonetheless, Stockwood, a tech investor without a background in politics, aims to take advantage of this race to challenge the “nonsense” of net zero denial, which he considers a “key dividing line.”
He suggests that the national party should learn from his battle against Reform UK by acknowledging voters’ discontent with all politicians and discussing issues related to costs instead of intangible economic growth.
Stockwood has been engaging in discussions with Reform supporters and believes that they are disillusioned with the state of the economy and politics. According to him, most people feel disconnected from politics and perceive it as an elitist game rather than a platform for improving their lives.
Stockwood emphasizes the importance of tangible results and connecting with people on a human level. He believes that Labour needs to communicate its message more clearly and bring the growth narrative to life.
Andrea Jenkyns, who defected from the Tories to Reform, uses the slogan ‘No to net zero madness.’ Photograph: Hollie Adams/Reuters
Stockwood also intends to challenge Reform UK’s stance on net zero, arguing that Labour can win the debate by highlighting the benefits of renewable energy for jobs and growth. He believes that global investors are already investing in net zero due to its potential returns and emphasizes the need for a leader who understands this opportunity.
Stockwood acknowledges the mayoral race will be competitive, as Tories have traditionally dominated the area. He believes that the changing political climate and voters’ desire for change may work in Labour’s favor.
Stockwood asserts that people will appreciate having someone outside the traditional political sphere in the role and emphasizes his genuine commitment to making a difference. He sees this as his only stint in politics and is determined to try, regardless of the outcome.
