Why I am standing for Labour in Moulsecoomb and Bevendean

I've spent the last few years enjoying politics from the sidelines. Yes, I have been an activist, but I haven't been standing for election or trying to persuade people of my abilities and experience.

I had thought those days were well behind me. After all, I had spent many happy years in my 20s and 30s as a local councillor and parliamentary candidate. But a few chance conversations in August changed my mind and made be start thinking seriously about throwing my hat in the ring.

Little did I realise how this single act would impact on people's opinions of me and their assumptions of both me and my motives.

The suggestion I've been "parachuted" into the ward doesn't stack up. Nor was I approached to put myself forward by some shadowy insiders.

Being the only candidate at a selection meeting doesn't make it any less intimidating. Having to endure my speech and answers to their questions probably wasn't easy on the Labour Party members who attended either.

I simply thought that I should take the brave step of putting across Labour's case for the future of our city directly and was willing to take responsibility for making sure that if successful those policies are put into action.

In a city where recycling rates are falling under an environmentally-friendly administration, where privatisation is increasingly being suggested and used as the first line of attack on costs (rather than the last option), and where important long-term decisions are being evaded to leave for the next city administration I want to offer a better vision.

Better access to housing, a focus on delivering the basic council services effectively, a new school to meet the challenges of population changes, balanced and sustainable transport policies that don't leave residents feeling that their wards have been ignored. These are just some of the policies I'd like to see every resident benefiting from.

Despite all the speculation and discontent, I'm still incredibly excited to have been chosen. Labour have a fantastic team and fantastic message to share about the future direction our city can take.

Daniel Yates was selected on Saturday, October 25, to be Labour Party candidate for Moulsecoomb and Bevendean to replace Councillor Leigh Farrow, who has been banned from standing again for the party in the city council elections next May. Mr Yates, 41, was the only person to put his name forward; the selection meeting was attended by only two members of the local branch party, which has been suspended because it supported Cllr Farrow; six members of the executive committee of Brighton and Hove District Labour Party also attended the selection meeting.

For articles related to the Labour controversy, visit:

Daniel Yates wins race to be Labour candidate;

Cllr Leigh Farrow: A Labour veteran denied justice by the party he loves;

The City Party;

Officer of suspended Labour Party branch speaks out;

'˜An insult to democracy' '“ Labour Party suspends local branch party;

Labour members stand by Councillor Leigh Farrow;

Labour's '˜witch-hunt' against party veteran;

Councillor Mo Marsh wins Labour selection run-off;

War of words in Labour selection re-run;

Furore over Labour's botched attempt to 'fix' safe seat.

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