Election fever grips Weardale! ( well maybe not quite )
CLOAKS, daggers, subterfuge, skullduggery and menaces!
As the run up to the local elections winds its way into the last few weeks we begin to get a picture
of the state of play. Two seats to fight for and ten candidates from five different parties plus the
independents. So let’s take a look at how things are starting to shape up . Ladies, Gentlemen and
others, I give you, in alphabetical order…..
The Conservatives
As previously stated,out on the stump for many weeks knocking on doors, distributing and indeed
posting leaflets showing their intentions and asking people what they want. Looking to the future
and not dwelling on the past. Certainly in with a chance. Forget Boris and Rishi. As I have mentioned
before, this is Weardale and Tow Law not Westminster.
The Green Party.
One candidate. However I fear no matter how much they believe in their principles I would put them
in the no hope section. They will pick up votes, but as they say, not enough to worry the scorecard.
The Labour Party.
Seem to be a little quiet. Weardale and Tow Law might not be the best area to be trying to tell
people it was a good idea to take away pensioners fuel allowance and tax the farmers. Together with
water, electricity and council tax rises I rather think you are beaten before the first round bell rings.
The Liberal Democrats.
One Candidate. Who, in order to emulate the party leader, will be heading up the river Wear astride
a jet ski to pick up a few votes and take us back to the EU.
Reform.
The dark horses. The party of the moment if all is to be believed and certainly nationally saying what
a lot of people want to hear. If this crest of a wave scenario transcends to a local level who knows?
Do not dismiss these candidates out of hand.
The Independents.
The non party Independents have held Weardale for years and in the norm would expect to be given
the chance again. But is there a wind of change blowing? A different electorate, some of whom will
not even know who their councillors are. Perhaps the status quo has ran its day. With the
assumption that your re election is a foregone conclusion does a sense of complacency arise. Too
much dwelling on the past and not enough future vision may end up badly this time. There is no
divine right to a seat in the gilded chambers. Time, and a ballot box will tell.
So to sum up part two. Things are starting to move at a pace. The cloaks have been donned, the
daggers concealed and by another week when part three of this irreverent discourse appears the
subterfuge, skullduggery and menaces should be in full swing…… Until then.
