News

Liam Byrne is the latest MP to try his hand at selling The Big Issue

The Birmingham Hodge Hill MP took to the streets with vendor Michael “Smudger” Smith to learn what it’s like to wear the iconic red tabard

Liam Byrne sell-off

Birmingham Hodge Hill MP Liam Byrne has taken to the streets of his constituency to sell The Big Issue – and admits the experience taught him an “extraordinary lesson”.

The Shadow Digital Minister joined vendor Michael Smith, known as Smudger to his regular customers, on his pitch outside Sainsbury’s on Union Street in the city.

Liam Byrne Smudger
Liam-Byrne-MP-and-Smudger
The Labour MP (left) was shown by the ropes by vendor Michael "Smudger" Smith

And Byrne’s first time selling the magazine in the iconic red tabard was an eye-opening experience as he managed to sell just two magazines in an hour.

The Labour MP insists that he learned the value of making contact with vendors when they are out on their pitch working in all weathers.

“This was an extraordinary lesson in how hard Big Issue sellers work every day to earn their way,” said Byrne after the January 4 sell-off.

“Their resilience is absolutely phenomenal, and it really taught me just how much we’ve all got to do to give the vendors a break – and a boost. Even if that boost is a smile.”

Speaking about the experience, Smudger, 54, said: ““It was interesting. Liam made me feel comfortable with him and that meant I enjoyed being able to put my point of view across to him.”

Jon Hyde, said: “The sell-off experience was a great opportunity to show Liam, on a small scale, what everyday life selling the magazine on the streets is like for Big Issue vendors.

“Smudger was a fantastic ambassador for The Big Issue, showing Liam the ropes, providing sales tips as well as sharing his experiences of homelessness and poverty.”

Support the Big Issue

For over 30 years, the Big Issue has been committed to ending poverty in the UK. In 2024, our work is needed more than ever. Find out how you can support the Big Issue today.
Vendor martin Hawes

Recommended for you

View all
Calls to nationalise Thames Water as Brits face 40% increase in bills: 'A con and a disgrace'
Water bills

Calls to nationalise Thames Water as Brits face 40% increase in bills: 'A con and a disgrace'

Will free school meals and vouchers be offered over the Easter holidays?
Free school meals/ Easter holidays
Free school meals

Will free school meals and vouchers be offered over the Easter holidays?

Leaked letter to Tory MPs reveals renting reforms will be 'watered down' to 'appease landlords'
Renters Reform Bill
RENTING

Leaked letter to Tory MPs reveals renting reforms will be 'watered down' to 'appease landlords'

Council tax is going up for millions in April. Here's what to do if you're struggling to pay
council tax/ houses
Cost of living crisis

Council tax is going up for millions in April. Here's what to do if you're struggling to pay

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know