I was surprised to read Rafael Behr’s article (Red wall Brexiters will be the ‘hero voters’ of the next election. The rest of us are just walk-on players, 29 March) in which he suggests the Labour party is solely focused on “hero voters” – older, economically precarious, socially conservative voters who supported Brexit and might swing from Tory to Labour. That isn’t the message I’m hearing.
On the contrary, at a recent campaign briefing for Labour candidates facing Green and Lib Dem opposition, we were specifically advised that the party is “not just targeting hero voters” but is also aiming to win over more socially progressive electors who, for example, place the climate emergency high on their agendas.
Behr may feel like a dispirited onlooker, but I don’t. I am happy to stand for Labour in the 4 May elections, despite the fact that I was a remainer – and I subscribe to the Guardian. Behr’s article fails to appreciate the hard work of many dedicated Labour members who are committed to building a broad and inclusive coalition of voters.
James Valentine
Kempston, Bedfordshire
• Rafael Behr’s analysis of the forthcoming election leaves a few stones unturned. First, in my left-leaning household, we still hold Jeremy Corbyn responsible for the Brexit result, based on his lacklustre performance during the campaign. Second, what about the left-leaning remainers who live in the so-called “red wall” seats – we hurt and we hurt badly, and we also have a vote. Finally, Keir Starmer is pursuing a flawed strategy kowtowing to the white van man. He should bite the bullet and tell it how it is: Brexit was a big mistake and now we’re all paying the price.
Dr Mark Wilcox
Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
