Sunday 17 April
Sunday 17 April
Another chance to get the potatoes in - perhaps.
The Sunday Express has a good story on Reg, but headlines it 'death threats to Blair opponent'. As Reg says, he has never actually received a death threat, just threats to 'come and shut your mouth'. The Independent on Sunday has postponed its story on independents, featuring Reg, because of Rover.
Derek Cattell rings - he has finally decided to take the big step, to leave the Labour Party after thirty years, in order to support Reg. I can guess how hard this must be for him - I have some idea of the way 'being Labour' gets mixed up with one's sense of self, as well as with one's emotional and social life, and in his case, his whole working life in the trade union movement.
Once I'm convinced he is sure I prepare the press release as he prepares to send out his resignation letter; it's important that the Sedgefield party officials know before the press tells them.
PA immediately picks up on the significance of Derek's resignation, and the wires start buzzing again. I stay up quite late (as does Derek, who also has to get up early to do interviews) dealing with the fallout. I do manage to speak to each of the children though.
- ©Reg Keys, 2005 -
