County Elections
The nominations for the new unitary council are in and the battle-lines drawn up for the election on May 1st.
With 93 candidates across the county, Liberal Democrats have established themselves as the clear alternative to Labour. It’s going to be a messy contest, though, with a mixed slate of Independents (some in groups and some actually independent), Conservatives, BNP and a few oddments contesting seats.
In Consett North I am proud to be partnered with Natalie English. At 18 some people will think Natalie inexperienced. From my point of view, though, she’s very experienced with seven years of Young People’s Forum and two of Youth Parlaiment under her belt.
She will bring a priceless insight into what should be developed in Young People’s Services. Youth policies are not best designed by old fogies - and the first youth policy we need to put into place is taking young people seriously and allowing them to take responsibility. For forty years (ever since I was eighteen) I have been astonished at how Britain has simultaneously whinged at the irresponsibility of youth and steadfastly avoided giving any responsibility to young people. We get the youth we deserve.
Natalie and I find ourselves in a four way contest with two Labour candidates, two independents and a UKIP candidate. That could be seen as frustrating, as only Labour and Liberal Democrats have a realistic chance of controlling the new county, and split votes will get in the way of that straight contest with Labour which we would relish. We’ll choose to see it as a challenge, however - a challenge to make the case that we will prove more active councillors, more thoughful councillors and more effective advocates for the changes that must be introduced if this unitary council is not to let down the people of County Durham in general, and Consett and Blackhill in particular.
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