Cant help but get angry at these people standing for election.

There are a lot of independents standing this time but are they really independent.
Some are standing for the district council as well but as Conservatives. If they can't be truthful about their true political allegiance why should we trust them at all.

I don't like the Lib Dems being a student, but at least they are what they say they are.
Why don't the authorities do something about it, What else are these people hiding from us?

By Dominic3 at 11:06 on 25/04/11

Re-post

Without having looked at this carefully. It seems that there may already be an official 'conservative' candidate and they are standing as an independent? Obviously this gives them two bites of the cherry and as you rightly point out - it is not really transparent. It was some years ago when candidates were banned from stating a political party in their name ie. Independent Conservative. The simple fact is that description can be blank. As for hiding things - where do you start and with what Party?

By pobox112 at 11:18 on 25/04/11
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I don't think party politics should play a major role in the governing of parish councils. On a parish council you should put the town ahead of your political views. It's not like at a parish council have to deal with the big decisions of the day such as the NHS, education, debt management etc... etc.... and in that case it is more important, and different parties will have different viewpoints rather than the individuals.
In smalled councils I would favour a more unified approach to things instead of squabbling between parties because it would surely only help to delay the processes of local government and decision making.

By Lewis_Clarke at 11:33 on 25/04/11
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If you get 2 ballot papers although this time it's 3 isn't it with the AV thing, it could depend on which one you look at first. If someone calls themselves Conservative on on and Independent on another it is confusing. (Lightbulb moment!) Perhaps that's the idea. I think I have just converted to AV it will at least make you look more closely at the list of names. I still thinks it's a little dishonest. If you belong to a party you will still take it to the council meetings no matter what you call yourself. Didn't that Monster Raving Looney guy end up on the County council as a conservative....the plump short guy with the cowboy hat? You can't even trust the nutters!!!

By Dominic3 at 11:44 on 25/04/11
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Its not all about perceived big decisions - I have seen the smallest one affect far more people. Once you have nailed your political colour to the mast - there should be a cross reference to it on the candidate declarations. It should be that transparent. I am voting NO for AV - they don't seen to be able to count the vote properly now sometimes. Spoilt papers seem to be on the increase, I would expect even more with the AV.

By pobox112 at 12:18 on 25/04/11
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That's a good idea about the cross reference although I am not quite sure our local council are up to it. They cant even print the ballot papers correctly. If ever there was a good reason to cancel that election and start again it's in Westexe. I'm surprised the gazette didn't go in harder than they did. I would have tried the nationals and put Tivvy on the map for all the wrong reasons. Going back to what started all of this, I am definitely not going to vote foe a person who calls themselves an independent on one ballot paper and a conservative on the other.

By Dominic3 at 09:29 on 27/04/11
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Nor would I - it sucks...

By pobox112 at 10:19 on 27/04/11
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Just seen what you mean. I have had together a leaflet from somebody standing as independent for the parish election, but for a party for district. Surely you can only be one or the other but not both!?!

By Lewis_Clarke at 21:01 on 27/04/11
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