Meet the Corbynistas

On Monday night thousands packed College Green to hear Jeremy Corbyn. As many of the speakers noted, few politicians command the sort of loyalty that can turn crowds out at short notice. Ten supporters explained to Bristol24/7 why Jeremy has rallied crowds like no other.

Sue Kilroe, 72, Stokes Croft, full time activist

I think it’s important to support Jeremy because I want to live in a world where we have public services which are owned by everyone. I don’t want to live in a world where everything is driven by profit and unfortunately the right of Labour is just as committed to neo-liberalism as the Conservative Party. I want Jeremy Corbyn to move the agenda to the left, and he gives us a small hope.

Carly Etherington, 29, Stokes Croft, finance administrator

I’ve come to support Jeremy because he’s the only politician that’s ever spoken to me about things that matter to me. I want to show support for him when so many people are opposed to him.

Rebecca Thatcher, 36, Weston-super-Mare, pensions officer

I think it’s important to support Jeremy. The general media makes out that only crazy people support Jeremy and I don’t think that’s fair. I saw something on Facebook and I don’t think it’s been well organised, so I came from work and picked up my daughter to watch him.

Laura Lidden, 34, Easton, PhD student

I am here to see Jeremy Corbyn because I believe in the policies he’s keen to promote like renationalising the railways and anti-austerity. The problem is: I don’t know if I can trust politicians – but I can trust Jeremy.

Denis Wise, 61, Easton, City Council worker

I think Jeremy Corbyn represents lots of people’s aspirations for a different type of world and a better way or organising society.

Julie Boston, 82, Montpelier, rail campaigner

I am a very keen supporter of Corbyn and his broader movement. I’m a member of Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways and Corbyn’s policies really appeal to me. He’s brought a vision of hope and you can see that from all the people who are discussing him. We are allowing the Tories to pass the most appalling legislation. As an example of how MPs can react, the shadow education sectary denounced Theresa May’s support of Grammar Schools. So many evil things that have happened under this government; anti-Trade Union policies and the selling off of the Land Registry. I worry about the children; even now too many children in this country are hungry.

Steve Murray, 61, Keynsham, teacher

Jeremy needs support now because of what’s happened. I’ve been a supporter of the left of the party and I think the parliamentary party have been really silly in what they’ve done here. I was a member last year and voted for Corbyn, but when he was elected they could have waited for him, but they didn’t. Now they’ve undermined him, and now, more than ever, we need a strong opposition to the Tories.  

James Spiller, 31, Bedminster, stockbroker

I’m a stockbroker, so I think I show that lots of different people support Jeremy Corbyn. I have always been a believer in the ideas the Corbyn preaches. This is the first time as a voter that I’ve seen a politician that I’ve really wanted to see elected. I think it’s good that Jeremy wants to bring about a redistribution of wealth to charities. Jeremy is the only person who I think can deliver that.

Read more: Corbyn returns to Bristol (again)