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Interview: Neil Coyle, Labour candidate for Bermondsey & Old Southwark

James Hatts

32 years after Bermondsey last had a Labour MP, can Neil Coyle finally unseat Simon Hughes this week? James Hatts met up with him to discuss the campaign.

Interview: Neil Coyle, Labour candidate for Bermondsey & Old Southwark
Neil Coyle on the day he was selected as Labour candidate in 2013

Listen to the full interview above.

On the housing crisis: "I'm proud of going into this election with a Labour Party committed to the biggest housebuilding programme in a generation."

On challenging his Labour council colleagues: "The idea that Tessa Jowell and Harriet Harman don't stand up to the council in other parts of the borough is untrue."

On serving as Deputy Mayor of Southwark whilst running for Parliament: "The only people who have complained are the Liberal Democrats locally."

On whether he would resign as councillor in Newington ward if he wins a seat in Parliament: "I would like to see how it balances out. If I felt I wasn't an effective representative as a councillor I'd be looking to stand down."

On receiving £1,000 from Tony Blair: "...I'm glad to have his support."

On the Garden Bridge: "I think it will be a massive asset for London."

Other candidates in Bermondsey & Old Southwark

James has interviewed 8 of the 9 candidates in Bermondsey & Old Southwark. See also
Kingsley Abrams (TUSC & Left Unity)
Andrew Beadle (UKIP)
JP Floru (Conservative)
Steve Freeman (Republican Socialist)
Simon Hughes (Lib Dem)
Lucy Hall (Independent)
William Lavin (Green)

Donald Cole of the All People's Party did not respond to a request for an interview


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