Some residents are suggesting they should not vote to show the strength of their feeling about the MP’s expenses scandal. They feel that we are all tarred with the same brush and should take the same approach to the County election. I believe that while this is very tempting it is not the best approach.
Many MP’s have been taking totally unreasonable advantage of the weak, virtually non-existent control of their expenses system. They clearly feel that they had a right to some £23,000 of expenses irrespective of the money they had actually spent carrying out their duties. Some of the claims are outrageous and this is our money
However, the election on 4thJune is for the County Council and Europe and the issues are radically different from those afflicting Westminster. If you do not vote, you are leaving the selection of your Councillors and MEP’s entirely to those who do. They may have radically different views to your own and in the worst case; they can be extremists with very unpleasant ideas.
I would urge you to vote in line with your beliefs whatever they are although clearly I would like to see you vote Liberal Democrat.
We do not have a ridged “whip” system so we can vote, and I have voted, the way the people we represent want us to, even when that is against the views of others in the group. However as a national party Liberal Democrats can call for action across all levels of government: District, County, Commons, Lords and in Europe. I believe that we offer the benefits of local councillors making local decisions but strategic reach when that is necessary
Our Gipping Valley www site shows our proioities in some detail
