'Beast of Bolsover' to speak at Durham Miners' Gala

Veteran Labour MP Dennis Skinner will replace the party's deputy leader at this weekend's Durham Miner's Gala.

By The Newsroom

Published 4th Jul 2016, 07:43 BST

Updated 25th Aug 2016, 17:11 BST

The Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) has announced the 'Beast of Bolsover' will replace Tom Watson as a speaker at the Gala on Saturday.

Mr Watson is unable to attend because his father is ill.

DMA General Secretary Dave Hopper said: "All indications point to this year’s Gala attracting a record attendance – more than the estimated 150,000 who came to Durham last year.

‘There is no doubt that The Big Meeting will be a massive show of solidarity for Jeremy Corbyn and a condemnation of the disgraceful way he has been treated by the majority of

the Parliamentary Party who have shown a total disregard for democracy."