A Northern Soul At Heart in a Southwest City.

Politics, elections, and life in general isn't always fair. Innit right cock?

Far be it from me to be outspoken about anything, as regular readers will be aware because I'm normally such a moderate writer with no specific views at all. Equally, the same people will not only be aware, but appreciative of the dryness in which my thoughts and feelings regarding certain subjects are delivered in such a way that can only be learned from living in the Northwest, and Southerners will never get their heads around.

So, where am I going with this? Well, to be honest, at this exact moment, I haven't got a bloody clue. However, bear with and I'll do my best to segue into something of relevance while considering all possible options. I think it's the fact that knowing I'll be heading back to Manchester for a few days in June has me hankering to touch base once again with my feet firmly on terra firma with people who have no specific airs and graces and say what they mean as much as they mean what they say.

The sheer joy of being able to walk into any shop or store, and be greeted with a friendly, "Y'all right cock?" somehow feels far more inclusive than all the faux inclusivity bullshit down south where offence is taken so easily at just about everything, because people just seem to lack the robustness and stoicism of the more industrial language culture up in the Northwest.

Earlier today I was reading about some furore that's kicked off regarding a South Gloucestershire councillor who told a Black housing campaigner in Bristol - "let’s not forget what country you are in", and "If you’re not happy, move on". Now, while I'm in no way condoning the first quote, I do feel he's on the money when stating 'If you're not happy, move on'. To put this more in context, the activist in question was lamenting that "not one Black person was elected in the Bristol Labour Party ". While Labour did stand many candidates from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, including sitting councillors, none were elected. Several BME candidates who stood for the Green Party were successful, however.

Well, guess what, shit happens and life goes on, to put it bluntly. So, yes, in the words of the councillor, "if you're not happy, move on" - 'Them's the breaks', as they say. Or, as I would put it, adopt the SUMO position and 'Shut Up Move On'. Politics, elections, and life in general isn't always fair. Innit right cock?

John Langley, author of ‘The Sexual Philanthropist’ - tales of life up north, and more in this autobiography. Available here Amazon Publishing