Images by GGC Media
ANGELA Rayner did not need much convincing to launch a national Labour policy on Rayner Lane.
As the sound of leather on willow echoed through the air at Ashton Cricket Club, the party’s deputy leader – in the view of the followers that attended – smashed a straight six out of the ground.
Saturday, June 22 saw an early start so the New Deal for Working People could be started ready for if they win the general election on July 4.
Thankfully, rain did not stop play as it cleared for Ms Rayner to greet friends and supporters, even posing for selfies.
As one member close to her said, this is her ‘baby’ and not even the great British weather was going to stop it.
Conditions also meant the sight of dozens of people stood in the middle of the pitch carrying boards on their heads could happen.
At ground level, you may be forgiven for thinking, ‘What the heck are they doing?’ but the view from the drone hovering above them explained it.
It spelled out the words ‘make work pay’ – a key theme of what the policy, which would be tabled in the first 100 days in power and see a ban to the fire and rehire policy, is about and one that affects people everywhere.
Ms Rayner also revealed her hopes for immediately after the election as she said: “It will help thousands of people here in Ashton who are on minimum wage.
“The genuine living wage and removing the bottom tier, so every adult gets it, will be transformative for many people here.
“We’ve seen here people are on waiting lists for houses for years and years. Many of us see someone in desperation and they say, ‘I need a house, I’m homeless, I’ve been waiting months.’
“We’re looking at them thinking, ‘Months is not a long time when you’re on a council housing list now. You’re going to be waiting years for a house, even though you’re homeless.’
“That is a disgrace.
“It’s been an absolute honour and a privilege to represent Ashton-under-Lyne since 2015 but many of you here have known me a tad longer than that.
“I was a young firebrand trade unionist and I’ve not changed a bit.
“We’ve a very big day on July 4 and that weekend will be a very busy one, hopefully.
“But the weekend after that is the Durham Miners’ Gala and I’m hoping to address that as the Deputy Prime Minister of the country.
“And on July 5, if we get that Labour government which I hope we will with all your help, you’ll be able to say, ‘We changed history. We put is on the right path.’”
Labour’s detractors – and there are many – will be lining up to tell how this New Deal cannot work.
And even though the polls predict a landslide, no-one is sitting back and watching the votes come in.
For as one of the coaches of the young cricketers in the neighbouring nets said: “There is always something you can work on.”
And The Correspondent can bring you exclusive lettuce news. The one on board Labour’s Battle Bus, a nod to a national newspaper’s stunt that saw one last longer than Liz Truss was Prime Minister, is still there.