Sunday, 29 Sep 2024

Brits living on Corbyn Road demand street name change after Labour defeat – The Sun

DISILLUSIONED voters living in Corbyn Road have called for their street name to be changed as the Tories celebrated a sweeping election win.

The 600m-long road lies in the heart of Dudley North, a staunch Labour stronghold before the Conservatives demolished the "red wall" on Thursday, securing the second largest swing in the country.


Brexiteer Marco Longhi, 52, is now the first Tory MP to represent the constituency after winning a majority of more than 11,000 votes.

Losing Labour candidate Melanie Dudley – ironically sharing the name of the constituency she fought – blamed Jeremy Corbyn for the party's historic loss.

She said: "Corbyn didn't always play well on the doorstep. At all."

'WORST LABOUR LEADER EVER'

Residents of Corbyn Road say they are ashamed of the association and fear the street name could send house prices – which average £140,000 – plummeting.

One resident said: "We've always known the name attracts attention and it didn't matter as much when the town was Labour but now it's associated with the worst Labour leader there has ever been.

"The name must go. When you think Corbyn you think of racism and failure. I don't want the place I live to be linked with that.

"House prices in this area are already struggling, the last thing we need is potential buyers being put off by the street name."

Marion Smith, 73, commented: "I have been here on this street for nearly 60 years, long before Jeremy Corbyn.

"Corbyn will be gone soon anyway after the result.

"If anything, Dudley Council should consider naming it Johnson Road after what happened yesterday."

Corbyn will be gone soon anyway after the result. If anything, Dudley Council should consider naming it Johnson Road after what happened yesterday.

Retired electrician Tom Robertson, 66, said: "I'm a life-long Labour supporter but I've never liked the direction Jeremy Corbyn was going in.

"It used to amuse my grown up children that I live on Corbyn Road but frankly it's now more of an embarrassment.

"I've got Jewish friends who are appalled at what's happened in the party since he was leader.

"It's time his name was wiped from history and the name of our street. I don't care what they call it but not after any politician because they're all bloody awful."

Writing on Facebook, resident Jan Onley said: "It's time for a petition to ditch the name Corbyn Road for something more united.

"Mr Corbyn doesn't represent us so why does his name appear on our road sign?

"Let's lobby the council to change it to something we all agree with. My suggestion is Unity Road but I'd love to hear other ideas."

Former Labour stalwart Ian Austin represented Dudley North for 14 years until he dramatically quit in February over Corbyn's leadership and handling of the anti-semitism scandal engulfing the party.

Weeks before the election he also dealt a body-blow to his former leader when he urged voters to back Boris Johnson.

Dudley Council has been approached for comment.

Source: Read Full Article

Related Posts