In these extraordinary times when respect in politics is at an all time low, there can hardly have been a worse time in history to get involved in politics by accepting the role of election agent for Mike Starkie, so you could be forgiven for asking if the cheese has finally slid off my toast?
When Mike asked me to assist him, I saw two things right in front of me.
1. An honest and non politically aligned politician who has delivered exactly what he said he would deliver in his first term in office. If that person doesn't deserve a second term then whats it all for?.
2. A chance to send a message to the two main political parties and that can be done if others feel as disgruntled as I do right now. I dont just want Mike to win, I want him to win overwhelmingly because the very size of the Copeland Mayoral constituency means that this election campaign is as good as a high profile Parliamentary By Election.
Our national politicians have stopped listening and I cant think of a time in my life when the disconnect between normal working people and the political class has been so noticeable. It really shouldn't matter which side of the Brexit debate you are on, if the security of our long established democracy is more important to you. Our system of democracy is envied the world over, as is the honest and respectful way it works in practice. Many world leaders couldn't believe it when Churchill, the hero of the hour was voted out shortly after victory in Europe but the vote was counted, the results were respected and Winston was history. Fast forward to today and the very guardians of our democracy now feel they can manipulate the result of the biggest democratic exercise ever held in the oldest and most stable democracy in the world. Even if you voted to remain, please count to ten and consider that before mentioning misleading campaigns because in truth, neither side played it very straight and they rarely do in normal elections either.
Im not an angry person by nature, but few things would give me greater pleasure right now than a thumping defeat for both Labour and the Conservatives in the Copeland Mayoral Election. A defeat so big that they feel it in their national party HQ's; a defeat so big that they have to take stock and listen, because right now, neither of our two main parties deserve to win a council seat let alone the position of elected Mayor.
My main worry is that turnout will be low because of voter apathy but now is not the time for apathy, and if a vote for a good man inst enough to put the pencil in your hand then perhaps the bonus of slapping the Labour and the Conservative parties is. Whether its Brexit, Antisemitism or the memory of a quite disgraceful expenses scandal, May 2nd is an opportunity for Copeland voters to send both the main parties a clear message that we are fed up with their behaviour.
Please vote on May 2nd and give Mike Starkie a well deserved second term in office and at the same time, take pleasure in sending a clear message to the political lightweights currently occupying Parliament.
Gerard Richardson MBE
When Mike asked me to assist him, I saw two things right in front of me.
1. An honest and non politically aligned politician who has delivered exactly what he said he would deliver in his first term in office. If that person doesn't deserve a second term then whats it all for?.
2. A chance to send a message to the two main political parties and that can be done if others feel as disgruntled as I do right now. I dont just want Mike to win, I want him to win overwhelmingly because the very size of the Copeland Mayoral constituency means that this election campaign is as good as a high profile Parliamentary By Election.
Im not an angry person by nature, but few things would give me greater pleasure right now than a thumping defeat for both Labour and the Conservatives in the Copeland Mayoral Election. A defeat so big that they feel it in their national party HQ's; a defeat so big that they have to take stock and listen, because right now, neither of our two main parties deserve to win a council seat let alone the position of elected Mayor.
My main worry is that turnout will be low because of voter apathy but now is not the time for apathy, and if a vote for a good man inst enough to put the pencil in your hand then perhaps the bonus of slapping the Labour and the Conservative parties is. Whether its Brexit, Antisemitism or the memory of a quite disgraceful expenses scandal, May 2nd is an opportunity for Copeland voters to send both the main parties a clear message that we are fed up with their behaviour.
Please vote on May 2nd and give Mike Starkie a well deserved second term in office and at the same time, take pleasure in sending a clear message to the political lightweights currently occupying Parliament.
Gerard Richardson MBE
