Wednesday 4 May 2011

Election Day tomorrow

I am looking forward to voting tomorrow. My intention is to cast a vote for 'No to AV'  in the referendum ballot.

The election for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will be interesting. The Conservatives are reeling still from the change of Leader and the aftermath of a perceived failure to consult on the future of the civic complex. Will votes go to the Liberal Democrats? Given the unpopularity of the Liberal Democrats nationally one might think they will do badly tomorrow.  However, they won a by-election recently and in so doing gained a seat from the Conservatives.

Labour is contesting more seats than the Liberal Democrats and will be hoping to pick up votes from people not enamoured by either of the Coalition parties.  Will Labour gain any seats?  Possibilities in Southborough one feels.

UKIP is fighting hard but I doubt if they will gain any seats, but disaffected Tories may vote UKIP and open the door for the Liberal Democrats. The Green Party is fighting one seat and I do not expect them to win.

The Independent candidate in Benenden & Cranbrook could spring a surprise and gain a seat from the Tories.  In neighbouring Frittenden & Sissinghurst the retiring Conservative councillor has been de-selected and is contesting the seat as an Independent against the Conservatives. Rumour has it that it will be a close run contest and the Independent might just shade it.  Too close to call in my opinion.

The English Democrats are standing again in one ward. Unlikely to win, but will be interesting to see if they increase their percentage of the vote.

In my village we are holding the first ever parish council election.  14 candidates for 9 seats.  Impossible to discern who will succeed.

My  message is: go and vote!

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