A conversation with someone on LinkedIn about the 2019 General Election got me thinking about the result. It had been hailed as a great success for the Conservative party and in terms of seats it certainly was. The party saw a rise in the number of seats in the commons of over 10%, from 317 … Continue reading Conservative win or Labour loss?
People versus politicians
The next general election is being lined up. Despite the latest Prime Minister’s assertions that this is not the case, regional visits are being made, cabinet members are being seen to look interested at factories and money, we were told we didn’t have, is being given away in a flurry of rash promises. This … Continue reading People versus politicians
Winners and losers
I understand that in an election, certain people win and get elected and that the opposite of winning is to lose. I accept, therefore, that in an election, candidates win or lose but I have never understood the premise that among the people, democracy has winners and losers. In our form of representative democracy, members … Continue reading Winners and losers
Police and Crime Commissioner
Ah well, another day, another election. This time though it was nothing as high a profile as a general election or a referendum. No, this was the election of a Police and Crime Commissioner for the Northumbria Police Area, caused by the resignation of the incumbent as she had been offered and accepted other employment. … Continue reading Police and Crime Commissioner
So we’ve had the European Elections 2019
It was certainly an interesting election, despite the poor turnout. Overall turnout was around 37% of the electorate, up from 35.6 in 2014 which still means that nearly 2 out of every 3 people did not exercise their democratic right. The picture in the North East constituency was even worse with just 32.7% turnout, from … Continue reading So we’ve had the European Elections 2019
Enough hot air
Another round of local elections but this time the usual parties have fared less well. The two main parties of Conservative and Labour have lost significant numbers while the Liberal Democrats and Greens have been successful. Independent candidates have also done very well while the UKIP vote has all but collapsed. The dust has not … Continue reading Enough hot air
First past the post
In our form of democracy, a first past the post system is used. In a general election, votes are held at constituency level with the person enjoying the most votes, of those placed and counted, getting the job of representing the people in Westminster. The reason given for using such an approach is that it … Continue reading First past the post
Unfolding plans 70 – I was barred
An interesting thing happened to me the other day. I’d like to tell you about it but I was banned or at least barred. I was in a meeting with Broadband Delivery UK in the HM Treasury building on Horse Guards Road and it was a few days before the election and the cloak of … Continue reading Unfolding plans 70 – I was barred
Use your anti-vote wisely
There is an election coming up next month in the ward in which I live. I know the date as I’ve received my voting card through the post. I don’t know who the candidates are yet but I’ll find that out by using the wonders of the internet. It’s a local council election and I … Continue reading Use your anti-vote wisely
Modern democracy
‘It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all of those other forms that have been tried from time to time.’ How many blogs have started off with the quote attributed to Winston Churchill, hundreds if not thousands if a quick search on Google is anything to go by? … Continue reading Modern democracy
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 