Nearly Killing Simon Hughes

A regular feature of the political landscape is the Parliamentary by-election. These are almost always triggered in the sad circumstances of an MPs death (MPs very rarely resign) which have become rarer over the last decades as life-expectancy has increased.

This Parliament seems to be a bit different however - there have been a number of by-elections already, including Dunfermline and West Fife where Willie Rennie stormed to victory in February this year. Now, there will be two in the near future - Blaenau Gwent in the South Wales Valleys following the death of Independent MP Peter Law, and Bromley & Chislehurst, where Eric Forth MP died recently.

The Liberal Democrats have a massive reputation for stunning by-election results - and for good reason. Across the years, there have been some stunning results, with campaigns supported by Party members across the country. By-elections are a great chance to see a really big campaign in action, and pick up tips that can be brought home.

At one of my first by-election campaigns (Newbury), I arrived to the sight of a queue of volunteers waiting patiently (and some not so patiently) to pick up delivery and canvassing from the campaign HQ. Joining them, I found I was talking to people who had travelled from across the country - some just for the day, some who had taken weeks off work to come and help.

Some campaigns see hundreds of people coming to help at weekends and evenings. There are lots of tasks from delivering, knocking on doors, doing clerical tasks, putting posters up. All are welcome - but be prepared to work hard! The Lib Dem Army marching is an awe-inspiring sight - it certainly inspired me.

I've been to many by-elections since Newbury - doing all the same things, but all have their different memories - from postering street signs outside the Labour Party HQ in Hodge Hill, to canvassing Jevohah's Witnesses in Eastleigh, destroying a poster van in Littleborough and Saddleworth, and nearly killing Simon Hughes in an Austin Mini in Barking. Sorry Simon.

Shaun Roberts (the Folkestone & Hythe agent at the last 2 General Elections, and South East Campaigns Supremo) has been appointed agent for Bromley and Chislehurst, and will be running the campaign from the campaign office right by Bromley South train station. Please go and see him!

You don't need to have any previous experience, expertise or even super-human energy levels (although all are good!) - there are jobs for everyone. He will have lots for you to do, offer a really warm welcome, and will be able to advise on a good place for an evening curry!

Sample the by-election buzz for yourself - Bromley is an easy drive up the M20/A20. I hope to see you there - and you can tell me your new by-election memories!