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Durham Miners' Association general secretary Alan Mardghum
by Nana Backland, Merseyside Morning Star Readers & Supporters Group
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DURHAM will celebrate its first Miners’ Gala for many years under a Labour government — but Alan Mardghum says the feeling post-election is one of relief rather than excitement.
“People have been absolutely desperate to get rid of the Tories. There will be more hope on the field,” the Durham Miners’ Association general secretary says. But a lot is riding on the new prime minister and government.
“Labour has got one chance to make life better. By God we need them to deliver, or I fear we will end up with an extremely right-wing Conservative government or, worse if that’s possible, a government influenced by Reform UK.
Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners co-founder MIKE JACKSON talks to Matt Kerr about the enduring power of Pride, protest and trade unionism
![Durham Miners' Gala 2026 [Pic: Neil Terry]](https://morningstaronline.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/desktop/public/2026-07/SSS_20260711_DURHAM_MINERS_GALA_0-21.jpg.webp?itok=NUVjowji)
Durham Miners’ Association chair STEPHEN GUY speaks to Ben Chacko about the Reform threat, what’s needed from Labour and why the Big Meeting will never lose its politics
Durham Miners’ Association general secretary ALAN MARDGHUM speaks to Ben Chacko about the PM-in-waiting, the threat of Reform and the radical change of direction this country needs