Martin Biermann

Election Aftermath

So the dust of the elections has now settled. 

Like nearly everybody else, I did not expect any party to achieve an overall majority at national level. How wrong we were!

Despite the muc-voiced suggestion that “strong" government is good for the country, I rather prefer coalition. This means that the largest party must take into consideration the views of others, leading to decisions which are more likely to be in line with the electorate at large. Either way, this election has not led to a fair outcome, especially for some of the smaller parties. It is also not fair that the Scottish Nationalists have such overwhelming representation. Whilst I admire the abilities of Nicola Sturgeon, I do not believe that it is healthy for any single political party to have such disproportionate over-representation. It will be amazing if this does not eventually lead to arrogance and possibly corruption. 

As regards the local elections, these were obviously swamped by all the media attention to Westminster and political parties. This did at least lead to a record 70% turnout in Chineham, but did me no favours in seeking re-election. Despite receiving my highest ever vote, I was narrowly pipped at the post by my Conservative Party competitor. As a resident of only nine months, I do not believe her vote was based on local knowledge or engagement, but time will tell as to how she fulfils her new role. 

The election has meant a slightly enhanced Tory majority on the borough council, which again I feel is to the detriment of residents. The borough Conservatives are now slipping back into their old bad habits of excluding opposition members whenever they can. What a shame.

The dust may have settled on the May elections, but nationally Bird to London it is I'm waiting for 3 o'clock the chain compassion was asking for the sake of full time in two minutes magically about I foresee many storm clouds ahead, not least on Europe, devolution, human rights and “right to buy”. 

And locally, where will all the extra houses go as a result of the most shocking legacy of Basingstoke Tory mismanagement, the Local Plan?

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