SPIRITS are high among members of the South West Wiltshire Labour Constituency following a well-attended meeting held at The Laverton in Westbury on Wednesday, July 13.

The meeting was initially cancelled due to the ongoing leadership election but that didn’t stop 66 members showing up to share their views – which highlights the passion and unity among the group, according to constituency chair Mike Sutton.

"The strength of spirit in the Labour Party now against this government is quite staggering. The media driven idea that the Labour party is split is very far from the truth,” he said.

“This was a private meeting and to comply with party directives, we could not take official decisions over the leadership. But I can say that despite a variety of passionate feelings there was no rudeness or discord in our group.

“There was an overwhelming consensus that we must work together to oppose the current government. A government who have reduced spending by cutting services, hurting the most disadvantaged in our society.

“At the same time they have cut taxes for the better off. Whatever the outcome of our leadership contest the party is absolutely united in the desire to rid our country of this biased government."

The total number of members of the SW Wilts Labour Constituency is now over 750 following the addition of 131 new members in the last month - that figure was 114 before Jeremy Corbyn was elected.

Mr Sutton added: "People have, for far too long, not had a Labour candidate to vote for in local elections. That is not in the interests of democracy. With our new membership numbers from now on we will be able to field a wide selection of candidates – watch this space."