HOWS THE CAMPAIGN GOING?

As the election campaign reaches its half way point, and we await final notice of all the confirmed candidates, I thought I would share some observations on how the local campaign in Northampton South has progressed pre nomination day.

Obviously these are the views of just one of the candidates, (me) but I would hope you know me well enough to accept that I would always say it as I see it rather than try to spin it. First of all news from our own camp. Well we are pretty pleased with how the campaign has been going so far, thanks to the tireless work of around 40 volunteers we are this week finishing the delivery constituency wide of our introductory leaflet and delivery has already begun on leaflet two.

On the doorstep, we have been encouraged by the warmth in the greeting we have received, maybe not being party aligned means we are seen as less of a threat or nuisance but voters generally want to chat and are very supportive. It is clear from our figures that we are doing well. How well can only be determined on May 6th but let’s say we are finding votes beyond our expectation. The Tories? Well they are spending well, we have encountered at least two leaflets on our travels and I am sure they are direct mailing, but the response we seem to detect is luke warm? No doubt Brian starts as favourite and a lot of course will be determined from the national popularity in the polls of the Conservative Party, but together with ourselves they seem willing to fight a campaign. John (Dickie) couldn't help noticing the Tory's oversized platform delivered to Abington Street last Saturday for Michael and Brian to stand on which was so big it had to be craned off the back of a lorry, he mentioned this to me as I was polishing of our own little soapbox! Talk of a tale of two candidates" SOPS: "Dave Green" I thought these guys did very well to get their first leaflet out so quickly in parts of the ward, delivery was sporadic, but given their resources and knowing first hand how difficult is then I applaud their effort. Labour? It’s been a disaster for them, with a candidate only interested in visiting the campaign once a week and a local party in freefall you get the feeling that they just want the campaign over as quickly as possible. No leaflets seen as yet, (other than old Rose newsletters) and a candidate who even shies away from speaking to the press!! Latest news tells me Clyde has urged his potential helpers in Northampton South to head North to help Sally Keeble out. A noble gesture maybe? Or the act of a beaten candidate? I will let you decide. Lib Dem, Obviously all of their attention and energy seems to be focused in the North, and the candidate will always find it difficult to compete, but I am disappointed in Paul. He seems to want to be the negative candidate and his view on his (comments locked) website that I was quote "playing politics with the 179 lives of service men and women lost in Labour’s illegal and unjustified war" wins my prize for the most inappropriate and over the top comment award so far for these elections. His request for me to stand down from my candidature was equally bemusing. Negative campaigning and mudslinging never work, but let’s hope he keeps it up! Leaflets? none seen to date, but one "attack" sheet planned I am told. Green? No leaflets, no real activity, but Julie did well at the only hustings to date, but again resources may be tight. English Democrats? A few leaflets found in Far Cotton. That’s about it so far?   UKIP No sign at all of any activity. Over the next week the Royal Mail Free Drop leaflet should come through your doors from all the parties (once vetted by the Royal Mail!) so at least people will be able to judge all the candidates side by side. For our part we are trying our hardest to change Politics in Northampton and on limited resources we are making a real play for this seat. I think we are getting there, I know we are working hard. I believe we are working harder than most? but then in some cases that’s not difficult! This blog is also about your observations so if you have seen differently then pleases say so, but I will edit out the obvious over the top observations (i.e. Clyde Loakes spotted two days running! or Lib Dem candidate in charm offensive)