Fringe 2019: The Renew party

This election already has attracted all sorts of odd and somewhat unprincipled or dubious alliances as the three main parties are joined by the Brexit Party and the SNP for a major clash over the future of the country. of course Brexit is the big issue though keeping Corbyn out is on a lot minds, mine especially.

Each time there is a General Election I try to look at the fringe party candidates, especially the left-wing and other oddities that pop up but this year the far left including the Communist Party is throwing it's weight behind Corbyn though there are exceptions as we shall see in due course, but first a more "mainstream fringe party" has come to attention. The Renew Party.

There has been much talk of the need for a new "centre party" and Renew was formed in the wake of the referendum to provide just that alternative. Currently led by former MEP Julie Girling it has yet to make any real impact on political affairs but not for the want of trying.

They have put much effort into building their organisation and have a highly proffesional website and social media presence along with well designed material. The Party Manifesto is comprehnsive and there is much to agree with Renew on. But...

Renew has  recently announced that it is "joining" the Remain Alliance but none of the other parties have given them a free run and just thanked Renew for withdrawing. Considering their votes would be derisory. Renew were unlikely to have had any real impact in these seats. Where they have contested elections Renew has only rallied a handful of votes.

Still every vote counts in what promises to be a close run thing as alliances change and party tribalism continues to break down.

The Unite to remain people thanked renew for their withdrawal in a letter from the unreliable Heidi Allen:

Renew have now issued the following statement:

Putting country before party and pursuing a focused approach!

We are thrilled to announce that Renew will be running a focused, positive campaign in four highly varied constituencies in England and Scotland:

• Hackney North and Stoke Newington
• Edinburgh North and Leith
• Bromley and Chislehurst
• Sefton Central

Our other 47 candidates have agreed to stand aside. This was not an easy decision, by any means. We know that in each constituency, we have the people on the ground and the strength of message to make a real impact. We know that each of our dedicated and passionate candidates would make an excellent representative of their constituency.

But this election is about more than party politics. It is about the future of this country, and who in each seat has the ability to overcome the damaging path that we have been set on by the right wing of the Conservative party.

This decision will allow us to run a focused campaign in seats where we can have a real impact, get out on the streets and on doorsteps, and spread our positive and exciting vision for the UK.

Far from making an impact Renew will simply be another fringe party not noticed come election night.

But they won't be the only ones!

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Website: www.renewparty.org.uk