KATE Hollern was in Blackburn town centre yesterday practising to take over Jack Straw’s soapbox if she succeeds him as the town’s MP.
The borough leader confessed that standing in on King William Street addressing an audience of 30 members of the public was ‘a bit different’ from what she was used to doing.
She added: “If I become MP, I shall continue Jack’s tradition of having a ‘shoutabout’ on the soapbox.
“I am here to learn from the master.”
Mr Straw first took to the soapbox during Labour’s disastrous 1983 election campaign under Michael Foot.
He said: “I had to do something as there were real fears I might lose.
“I have really enjoyed it and think it is important to actually talk to the public not just take part in choreographed events.
“I plan to continue to do this with Kate.”
One passerby shouted accusations that Mr Straw was ‘a liar’ and ‘just in it for yourself’ to give Mrs Hollern a taste of what could be in store for her.
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