Pictures that tell a story ...... Chorlton elects its first Labour Councillor

It is now 33 years since the Labour Party won its first council seat in Chorlton, which was a historic result given that during the early 20th century the area alternated between electing Liberal and Conservative councilors, before settling down to a period of unbroken Tory representation from 1945 through to 1986. 

And that first Labour success was confirmed a year later by the election of Keith Bradley as the first Labour MP for Manchester Withington.

A feature of local elections in Chorlton during the 1980s had been the pre election walk about on the Saturday for voting on Thursday.

The event was was part serious politics, but also sheer fun, with the teams handing out leaflets and balloons as they walked through Chorlton, accompanied by speaker cars.

I can't be sure but I think the picture was taken on that Saturday, and in the picture is Dave Black who was  elected as the first Labour councillor.

Beside him is Keith Bradley, holding the microphone, and also in the picture is Andrew Simpson, Lawrence Beedle, Tony Whitson, Mike Ash Edwards and Wilf.

Location; Chorlton

Picture; on a Saturday, on Beech Road, 1986, from the collection of Andrew Simpson