THE ELECTIONS - WEREN"T THEY EXCITING!

 

                                        THE ELECTIONS - WEREN"T THEY EXCITING!

The elections are over, but not the shouting. The Tories took Hartlepool in a by-election and several English councils in the local elections. The SNP swept back into power in Scotland for a forth consecutive period.  With the help of the Greens, whose views align with much of the ruling party, the SNP will be baying like terriers at the ankles of Westminster in order to push for a vote on independence.  In Wales the Labour Party did extremely well to resist challenges from both the Tories and Plaid Cymru.

For the first time in modern politics it really does look as if we are three nations linked by land only.  In England, the Tories have been buoyed by the effective roll-out of the covid 19 vaccines and possess a leader who took us out of Europe. The latter is bourn out by the by-election win, which was emphatic, along with a the number of council seats won in traditional Labour heartlands.

Like her or loathe her, Nicola Sturgeon has done a fine job of leading her party. The court case with her old boss turned out to be no more than an irritation. Alex Salmond, for all his 'Not guilty' verdicts is a spent force. He didn't appear to garner much public support after the inquest/trial, and that lack of sentiment came through during the elections where his newly-formed Alba Party was cast adrift as the results unfolded. I do wonder what form independence would take if the Scottish public were to vote, assuming the vote goes ahead at some stage and it pans out the way the SNP so clearly desires. Would Scotland be able to re-join the EU? I'm sure the Euro powers-that-be would work hard to add another state to their club if only to spite England and Wales, who also voted to leave don't forget.  If this were to happen what form would a border take?  I can see Scotland becoming a Mecca for migrants desperate to settle in England,  a weak border producing a soft option and a rush of opportunists.  Should we 'do a Trump' and start building a wall - or re-build Hadrian's Wall now? It's a thought!

In Wales the electorate stood strong and returned a Labour-led Senedd.  Mark Drakeford, their leader should take credit for that show of solidarity.  All through the pandemic he was a familiar face on  television.  His approach and general demeanour was calming and reassuring.  I'm certain he built up a following because he epitomised what voters look for in a leader.  He told it like it is, no faff, no catch-phrases, no marketing speak, no hype, no bluster, no jingoistic terminology. Good diction, plain English, measured... Oh, and a Welsh lilt helped of course!  Above all, the man showed dignity. He didn't go off at a tangent making political capital out of the situation, he stuck to the point and subject in hand.  Many aspiring politicians could learn from these performances because his approach to politics engenders trust and support in a leader.

So what went wrong for Labour in England?  Being fair to Mr Starmer, the pandemic has hindered any aspirations of the usual cut and thrust of Westminster politics and all that goes with it.  Andy Burnham, however, did well in Manchester, being re-elected as Mayor with a significantly increased majority, but he is seen to be constantly battling for the people he represents.  Labour supporters, many of them Leave voters, especially in the north-east, north-west and West Midlands felt betrayed at the last election.  The prospect of a second referendum should Labour get into power, led by a man steeped in the mould of Michael Foot - scruffy, lifeless, completely bereft of leadership qualities tested their patience.  Many who voted Tory are probably not overly-enamoured with Boris, but he gave people hope, leadership! 

What happened locally? Well, Surrey remains a Tory stronghold though not as strong as it has been hitherto.  I voted for  the sitting Tory councillor but he was defeated by a lady representing the Lib-Dems. Now, this is the same lady I commented on in a post way back at the turn of the year.  I rang her during March to ask why she wasn't standing as an independent because if that had been the case  I may well have voted for her.  She really seemed to care about the area in which she lives - and now represents.  Well done that girl!  I could however, never bring myself to vote Lib-Dem after their treachery regarding the EU referendum - I don't forgive easily, or in some cases -Ever!!  Truth is, I find there is a pervading arrogance that sits uncomfortably alongside the bloated egos of the Tories in Surrey.  Several lost their seats in the Guildford area to Residents Associations whose supporters are rightly upset with the continual erosion of the Green Belt, and the selling off of land for housing and industrial use.  In Woking many are unhappy with the council for their corporate arrogance, best displayed in the building of town centre tower blocks, hideous to the eye and outwardly portraying all the hallmarks of tomorrows slum clearance.  You can see these monstrosities from parts of Guildford and Ripley.  The worst offended are the good residents of Horsell who wake up to them every day of their lives. It can't have done much for their house prices. What on earth did the good residents of Horsell do in a previous life to deserve this?  The main thing is that a lot of fat cats have doubtless got a lot fatter, so no change there.  Never trust a politician, that way you won't be disappointed!

And the Lib-Dems?  Overall they lost seats... Elections can be so satisfying at times...