Taking over from Left Wing MP Alice Mahon, a persistent thorn in the flesh of successive Labour governments can be perceived as a hard act to follow. However the new MP for Halifax acknowledges that although she has got her work cut out, she believes the Labour party has an historic opportunity to be truly radical in this third term and create a society where we can all contribute and respect each others differences.
Linda Riordan Ms Mahon’s former research assistant and Calderdale councillor is likely to continue in Ms Mahon’s tradition of challenging authority and striving for justice for the people of Halifax and beyond. Ms Riordan told AWAAZ “I said on the night of my election victory, that Alice would be a tough act to follow. I cannot copy her, but I can learn from her. I was grateful that voters from the Muslim community in Halifax remained loyal to Labour at the last election. I don’t take that for granted.”

Although Ms Riordan admits “there is no quick fix” to bring about community cohesion and racial, the need to bring people together and at the same time attracting investment into Halifax is a priority. She said “What Halifax needs is lots of discussion, bringing people together, often for the first time - supporting Councillors in their work and the others. It is important to continue to campaign hard against the fascist BNP; people have been duped by their simplistic solutions to everything.

“Some wards in Halifax still rank as being poorer than some of the poorest areas any where in Europe, so there is a lot to do. The Government is committed to investing in towns like Halifax and I shall be playing my part in the Commons, to bring more investment into the area. How? By encouraging employers to invest in the skills of their workforce, by ensuring that our young people have a well rounded education that will encourage them to play an active part in society and by encouraging the Council and developers to create affordable housing within a cared for environment. The people of Halifax, from all communities, are its strength that is what any investor should look for.”

Ms Riordan will always remember when she was endorsed by non other than Tony Benn in Halifax. A magnamonous Ms Riordan said “I felt fantastic! He is one of the greatest Parliamentarians of modern times. Even though he is no longer a MP, he still campaigns on such a wide range of issues, he really is an inspiration to those of us new to the House of Commons.”

Ms Riordan is adamant a possible Invasion of Iran will not be tolerated”I cannot see myself supporting an American invasion of any country. Mr Bush really needs to stop, think and listen more to other world leaders, before he next decides to act as the world’s police “.

As Alice Mahon enjoys her retirement, the people of Halifax will be represented by an MP who is more than capable of making a mark in British politics whilst ruffling a few feathers in the process.