30/06/2022
Labour are terrified.
Incase you weren’t sure about how worried Bridgend Labour are that they will lose the Bridgend Central by election you only need to look at the bizarre events of yesterday.
The Gazette and others ran a misleading story about a successful local business which just happens to be run by the highly respected Town councillor and prospective Independent BCBC candidate Steve Easterbrook.
The story tried to fan outrage over the trademarking of products in some way suggesting that Welsh words were being appropriated to trademark products. Why would news organisations make such a big deal over a local business protecting their intellectual property as is common practice for most businesses across the globe?
It doesn’t take long to unpick things.
Firstly the ‘aggrieved’ rival trader at the heart of the story is in fact the partner of an ex Labour community councillor who lost his seat because of non attendance. His mother is also an ex Labour councillor, and let’s not overlook the fact that there is also business rivalry.
Secondly the story was shared widely by a sitting Labour town councillor who made no attempt to hide his political spin or his dislike of Independent councillors.
Then we saw the unedifying sight of the former Labour BCBC cabinet member for regeneration wading in with comments that betray his ignorance of business and commerce. With such a poor grasp of business fundamentals it’s no wonder that Bridgend Town has declined as a commercial centre. It is sad, but not unexpected to see a failed politician attacking a successful local business.
What we have seen is a co-ordinated smear campaign by those who either have an axe to grind, or rightly fear electoral defeat. It is transparent, and it is in many ways laughable but once again underlines why Bridgend County Independents exists - To provide moral and practical support for Independent candidates and councillors in the face of such attacks.
We look forward to helping Steve deliver his pre-election flyers in the coming days and onwards to polling day in August. Whilst the political parties have started their campaigning with unedifying smear campaigns, Steve Easterbrook backed by other local independents will not be embroiled in such behaviour and will deliver a clear, positive and proactive campaign.