Sheffield Heeley MP, Louise Haigh, has been given shadow ministerial responsibility for the digital economy in the latest reshuffle by opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn. The move comes at an important time, with the Digital Economy Bill currently progressing through Parliament. Sheffield Live! reporter Bailor Jalloh spoke to Louise Haigh about her new role.
The UK Independence Party have started an inquiry into the incident that saw MEP Steven Woolfe admitted to hospital. The incident, described as a “scuffle” by UKIP’s temporary leader Nigel Farage, came after Woolfe was reported to be one of the favourites for election as the party’s next leader. Sheffield Live! reporter Shamaan Freeman-Powell spoke to UKIP councillor and former police inspector Jack Clarkson.
Former Green Party leader Natalie Bennett is set to challenge Labour MP Paul Blomfield in Sheffield Central. Bennett will take over from Jillian Creasy, who finished second in the 2015 General Election, the third best result for the party across England and Wales. Sheffield Greens increased their average share of the constituency vote by 5 per cent in the May 2016 council elections and have councillors in three of the five wards. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to Natalie Bennett after the announcement.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called for a focus on the next general election in his closing address to the Labour party conference. Corbyn was re-elected on Saturday for the second time as Labour leader with a majority of 61.8 percent. He said Labour should build support by focusing on the “needs and aspirations of middle and lower income voters”.
The Sheffield branch of Momentum were in buoyant mood as they made their way to Liverpool to celebrate Jeremy Corbyn’s expected victory in the Labour leadership contest. Corbyn has since been returned as Labour leader after comfortably beating challenger Owen Smith. Corbyn won 61.8 per cent of the vote, a larger majority than last year and vowed to bring the party back together. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke with members of Sheffield Momentum.
Sophie Walker, leader of the Women’s Equality Party visited Sheffield as part of a nationwide tour to mark the 20th anniversary of the ‘What Women Want’ social survey of 1996. Twenty years ago, postcards were sent to women across Britain asking them the same question. Ten thousand women responded and this ground-breaking study changed the course of British politics. The Women’s Equality Party, which has 65,000 members and registered supporters, is asking ‘what do women want’ today and discussing how to achieve a fair future for all. The party was founded by Sandi Toksvig and Catherine Mayer in March 2015. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to Sophie Walker.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has published a new book, ‘Politics: Between the Extremes’. It is a frank account of his experience in politics, power and the 2015 General Election defeat. The Sheffield Hallam MP argues that with the resurgence of nationalism and mainstream parties in turmoil, new divisions define the country that are no longer simply left and right. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Nick Clegg at the launch of this year’s Off the Shelf Festival of Words at Sheffield Hallam University.
Government proposals to reduce the number of parliamentary constituencies by 50 seats have been criticized by the Labour Party. The plans are part of reforms which would see the House of Commons reduce from 650 to 600 MPs. A public consultation is under way and final decisions will not be made until 2018. Labour MPs are among those hardest hit, potentially loosing 25 or more seats in the shake up if the proposals go ahead. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Paul Blomfield, Labour MP for Sheffield Central.
Thousands turned out for Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour leadership election campaign rally in Sheffield. Corbyn, who is being challenged for the leadership by Pontyprydd MP Owen Smith, addressed around 2500 supporters from the steps of Sheffield City Hall. Issues he spoke to included the housing crisis, saving the NHS, and calls for an inquiry into Orgreave.
The turnout for Sheffield was 67.34% which is higher then any recent election but lower than the national average of 72%. Sheffield Live! Mickey Conn reports live from the count.