Green Party Defeats Labour in U.K. Special Election

“I didn’t grow up wanting to be a politician. I’m a plumber, and two weeks ago, during all this, I also qualified as a plasterer because even in chaos, even under pressure, I get things done. I am no different to every single person here in this constituency. I work hard. Working hard used to get you something. It got you a house, a nice life, holidays. It got you somewhere. But now, working hard, what does that get you? Because life has changed. Instead of working for a nice life, we’re working to line the pockets of billionaires. We are being bled dry, and I don’t think it’s extreme or radical to think working hard should get you a nice life.” “I’m disappointed that Labour didn’t get in, but I blame Starmer.” “I think he’ll be going pretty soon. He’s rubbish. He’s too soft. He’s too — just trying to keep everybody happy but keeping nobody happy.” “It’s a very disappointing result. Incumbent governments quite often get results like that mid-term. But I do understand that voters are frustrated. They’re impatient for change. And I will keep on fighting for those people for as long as I’ve got breath in my body.”