It's a bit dangerous to quote Enoch Powell, but
"All political lives end in failure"
is both true and relevant. It's a pity that my failure happened just as I started.
My hope was not to be humiliated and I don't think I was. I was pretty sure before I started that the seat was not winnable because of the size of swing required, and having two other candidates added to the doubts. So the end result was not too bad.
I think in a couple of weeks I will look back on the campaign as being a great experience. At the time, I hated it. As I noted previously, it takes a special sort of person to enjoy electioneering. Parts were good however:
a) The tolerance and politeness of the voters I spoke to; I was also surprised at the size of turnout. Almost 50% is good for a local election, particularly given the disillusionment about the formation of the new Council, and it shows the interest in the campaign;
b) The fantastic help, support and encouragement from my team. There are probably too many to thank, but I must mention Alastair and Judith for encouraging me to do the blog and for teaching me how to write; Paula and David for first encouraging me to stand; the selection meeting for putting their trust in me; Beryl, Jane, Charles, Wendy, Jim, Jackie and Lance for polling day; Tom and Paul for their hard work; Scott for helping me win the (self-awarded) best signs award; Annabel and Pauline for keeping me sane; Nigel, Cathy, Brian and Jamie for travelling to support me and Anne-Marie, Sarah, Jim, Vin, Bob, Jessie, Paul and Carol for walking the streets with me. Thanks to all the others who helped on polling day and before, and to the 790 people who actually voted for me. Well, 789 as I voted for myself.
One point of concern: the average age of the voters. There are no statistics on this, and the Division has an above average age of population. But I saw very few younger people when I visited the polling stations during the day. All those interested in politics should be concerned at the increasing irrelevance of the process of Government to younger people and we must find ways of passing on that interest.
Lastly, I wish Pat Scott well for a difficult few years: I am sure there are some real problems with the budget and the management of the Council and it will be not be easy. When I started, many people said well done for standing - but added "of course, Pat's such a nice person". And she was. Except she won.
I'm going to publish in due course my expenses because I said I would, but otherwise will stop the blog. Thanks for reading it.
"All political lives end in failure"
is both true and relevant. It's a pity that my failure happened just as I started.
My hope was not to be humiliated and I don't think I was. I was pretty sure before I started that the seat was not winnable because of the size of swing required, and having two other candidates added to the doubts. So the end result was not too bad.
I think in a couple of weeks I will look back on the campaign as being a great experience. At the time, I hated it. As I noted previously, it takes a special sort of person to enjoy electioneering. Parts were good however:
a) The tolerance and politeness of the voters I spoke to; I was also surprised at the size of turnout. Almost 50% is good for a local election, particularly given the disillusionment about the formation of the new Council, and it shows the interest in the campaign;
b) The fantastic help, support and encouragement from my team. There are probably too many to thank, but I must mention Alastair and Judith for encouraging me to do the blog and for teaching me how to write; Paula and David for first encouraging me to stand; the selection meeting for putting their trust in me; Beryl, Jane, Charles, Wendy, Jim, Jackie and Lance for polling day; Tom and Paul for their hard work; Scott for helping me win the (self-awarded) best signs award; Annabel and Pauline for keeping me sane; Nigel, Cathy, Brian and Jamie for travelling to support me and Anne-Marie, Sarah, Jim, Vin, Bob, Jessie, Paul and Carol for walking the streets with me. Thanks to all the others who helped on polling day and before, and to the 790 people who actually voted for me. Well, 789 as I voted for myself.
One point of concern: the average age of the voters. There are no statistics on this, and the Division has an above average age of population. But I saw very few younger people when I visited the polling stations during the day. All those interested in politics should be concerned at the increasing irrelevance of the process of Government to younger people and we must find ways of passing on that interest.
Lastly, I wish Pat Scott well for a difficult few years: I am sure there are some real problems with the budget and the management of the Council and it will be not be easy. When I started, many people said well done for standing - but added "of course, Pat's such a nice person". And she was. Except she won.
I'm going to publish in due course my expenses because I said I would, but otherwise will stop the blog. Thanks for reading it.
4 comments:
I'm writing this whilst sitting at my computer awaiting the London Mayor results (it's still Friday, just).
I think with hindsight perhaps your election strategy was missing a couple of key phases. A three phase strategic approach to getting elected - first edit a national magazine, secondly compere a popular TV programme, THEN stand for election would have been better. My sincere apologies for not realising and communicating this strategy to you earlier.
Congratulations on your committed approach, John. You had my vote and still do.
Best wishes and I hope to see you soon.
CJ xx
You fought the good fight (on the wrong side admittedly but at least you did it with style.)
John, my post of today refers: I unusually didn't have anything for today, until I read Judith's little confession yesterday and, of course, I fastened onto it and began to write.
Have a look at it by all means, You figure in it prominently if briefly, It was never anything other than a spoof, my own position being a disaffected ex-labour voter who hasn't been to a polling booth in donkey's years.
However, my rant against the tories has seemingly been taken seriously- even where I refer to 'Dear old Gordon' (I could cheerfully strangle the sod) and the few commentds I have received till now are sympathetic and in agreement with my pseudo support for Labour
It isn't the first time that my, er, wit, has failed to find its mark, and I am thinking now of buying a little fishing boat and working out of the local harbour. ;-)
My condolences, of course, but you appreciate I could never vote for a conservative.
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