Politics

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Shaffaq Mohammed on Lib Dem leadership battle

Following the surprise decision of Tim Farron to step as Liberal Democrat leader, Sheffield Live! spoke to Shaffaq Mohammed, leader of the Lib Dem group at Sheffield Council. In a statement issued less than a week after the General Election, Farron said he was “torn between living as a faithful Christian and serving as a political leader” and that he should have dealt “more wisely” with questions relating to his faith during the election campaign. Farron’s views on gay sex became a subject of growing media attention as he sought to deflect questioning on the matter. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Drumming up support for young carers

Local charity Sheffield Young Carers took to the streets with a beat bonanza  to mark Carers Week 2017 and to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The organisation ‘Fun Drum’ provided rhythm and movement mayhem with passers-by invited to grab a drum and get involved. Sheffield has an estimated 7,300 young carers. Carers Week is a national campaign which aims to raise awareness of caring, the challenges carers face and the contribution they make. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield protest against Tory-DUP deal

Over five hundred people took part in a rally at Barker’s Pool called to oppose the proposed pact between the Tory party and the DUP. The rally was one of many organised around the UK by Young Labour in response to Theresa’s May’s decision to negotiate a deal with the DUP to prop up her minority government. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!

Heeley MP calls on May to resign

Louise Haigh the newly re-elected Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley told Sheffield Live! that Prime Minister Theresa May “has to resign” after her disastrous general election campaign. Ms Haigh also praised Jeremy Corbyn for his campaign performance and the Labour manifesto and predicted that a further general election would soon follow. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Labour celebrates clean sweep in Sheffield

Crookes and Crosspool councillor and Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Anne Murphy, admitted she had “little sympathy” for ousted former Deputy PM and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg. Clegg has held the Sheffield Hallam seat since 2005 but was defeated at the general election by first time Labour candidate Jared O’Mara who Ms Murphy praised as a new type of politican. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

College campaign promotes voter registration

The Sheffield College are encouraging students and young people to register to vote in the General Election ahead of the deadline on Monday 22 May. The College have loaned a portable voting booth from Sheffield Council to raise student awareness of elections and voter registration. It is touring college campuses before the voting registration deadline following a launch at the Olive Grove campus off East Bank Road. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Steve Kelly, head of student services.

Turkish community fears after referendum result

Following the Turkish referendum granting sweeping new presidential powers, Sheffield Live! spoke to members of Sheffield’s Turkish community. The narrowly-won constitutional amendments replace the country’s parliamentary democracy with a presidential system and abolish the role of prime minister. International observers said the vote took place in a political environment where “fundamental freedoms essential to a genuinely democratic process were curtailed”. Simon Thake reports.

Student leaders urge young people to register to vote by 22 May deadline

The National Union of Students has launched a major drive to get students and young people registered to vote in the General Election. NUS executive councillor and former Hallam Union officer Hassun El-Zafar, speaking to Sheffield Live!, said the upcoming general election is hugely significant for young people. With young people more politically engaged than for a long time, El-Zafar urged them to register to vote before the deadline of 22 May. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Gleadless Valley wins regeneration cash boost

Gleadless Valley is to receive a government grant of £510,000 to improve local amenities and housing stock on the 1950s estate. The regeneration plan for the area is to be developed in consultation with local residents, community groups and other partners. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!