Part of the reason this country has a political system that doesn't much look like the people it governs, is because for many, the fight to be heard in public and civic life, where decisions are made, is a long and arduous one that is still being fought.

It is hard to imagine people turning out to vote for Labour at the by-election, the way they once did to support Malcolm Wicks - not with the legacy of New Labour fresh in people's minds.

Given the possible implications of this election, it will be very interesting to see how all the candidates are received at the ballot box. One things for sure. The Labour party shouldn't be so quick to dismiss the Respect Party, especially with the humiliation in Bradford West still stinging.