A clear campaign narrative that balances local and national priorities is crucial. Engage with community groups. Select candidates early. Use social media to complement, not replace, campaigning.
Since I last surveyed the political landscape in 2013 and 2014, some ruling tribes have been cast down, and some formerly lost tribes have risen to rule.
Of course the Government must sell its vision and achievements, but we must also expose the hard left’s anti-democratic conduct and duplicity over Brexit.
If we can win the argument for well-regulated, competitive provision of essential services in this sector, we can win it elsewhere.
Kelvin Hopkins’ belated suspension contrasts with the treatment of Simon Danczuk over very similar claims.
The left will strengthen their position inside Labour, but may push more voters towards the more centrist, avowedly unionist Scottish Conservatives.
Will they keep their heads down as their colleagues are picked off by the hard left?
Victory poses his internal opponents with a painful dilemma, and a lot may hinge on how they resolve it.
Corbyn might lock Labour out of power at Westminster, but Momentum could still end up wielding real power in local government.
Apparently, some people have been using it as a “dirty word” – but he wouldn’t have a cup of tea with Trotsky, Lenin, or even Marx.
The incumbent wins more than 60 per cent of the vote, cementing his hold on the Party. What shall Smith’s supporters do now?
When you think your cause is beyond reproach, it’s must easier to demonise your opponents and justify mistreating them – and I’ve experienced the results.
Also: Tory AM sets out Plaid Cymru vision; Scottish Labour de facto split off; Jones urged to stay on to block Corbynistas from capturing Welsh Labour; and more.
His warm words are all well and good, but they have to be backed up with action.
“The deficit deniers have taken over the Opposition.”