We need social club socialism

This opinion article argues that Labour should rediscover the political value of social clubs, using Andy Burnham's successful Makerfield by-election campaign as a case study. The campaign was run from Stubshaw Cross Community and Sports Centre, a social club that remained open to regulars, forcing politicians to interact naturally with voters. The author contends that social clubs offer trusted, independent spaces where sustained political relationships can be built, unlike transactional doorstep canvassing. The piece warns Labour against treating social clubs merely as campaign props, noting their historical role in the party's formation. It suggests that if Labour pursues structural reforms under a future Burnham premiership, social clubs could serve as countervailing forces to defend change in communities across the country.