Sunday 20 October 2013

Baddeley, Milton and Norton By-Election Candidates

10 candidates for the above council vacancy in Stoke-on-Trent is not a record, but it's pretty near. There's something here for every political persuasion:

Candi Chetwynd (Labour)
Adam Colclough (Green)
John Davis (Independent)
Gary Elsby (Independent)
Tom Grocock (LibDem)
Mick Harold (UKIP)
Anthony Munday (City Independents)
Liat Norris (TUSC)
Sam Richardson (Conservatives)
Michael White (BNP)

As everyone knows, Stoke-on-Trent is the pivot around which national politics revolves (as well as the world centre for global revolution). What happens here matters. So the by-election will no doubt have the news-hungry hounds of the national dailies wetting themselves. What will get the characters flying across their monitors is not only the fact that my comrade Candi (who is the current secretary of Stoke-on-Trent Central CLP) will be beating off a challenge from the former secretary and Newsnight celebrity, Gary Elsby; but that he too will be competing for votes against his former comrade-in-arms, Adam Colclough, who's moved in to bat for the Greens.

Dare I venture a prediction? Heh, last time I tempted fate in a Stoke-on-Trent by-election it bit me badly on the backside. But Labour are campaigning extremely hard while hide nor hair has yet been seen of the other candidates. A team is out everyday pounding the streets, knocking on doors, and delivering leaflets - helped in no short measure by Candi's boundless energy and irrepressible enthusiasm. So I will confine myself to saying that Labour have a very good chance.

The by-election will be held on Thursday 14th November.

4 comments:

Gary Elsby said...

Where would we be Phil without you 'unbiased' political commentary(question mark/few exclamation marks).

Due to your absence of any real political insight into this election, I MUST point out one (of the many points)that should be raised of the candidates on offer.

1.Only two are from the ward.
2.A number of the qualifying electors signing nomination papers are voting for me. That includes some who have signed other for candidates (and their wives, husbands and children).
very true Phil.
3. The City Independents are fielding two candidates.
4The Tories are out in heavy force and UKip have been out too.

5.Eight of the candidates don't have a vote.

6.Two candidates in the election are not in Labour due to the parachute Tristram Hunt.

7.One candidate entered the election on the last day due to a lie being used to promote a 'rival' candidate.


Phil said...

Riveting stuff.

Btw Gary, this blog is biased and proud. Always has been.

Gary Elsby said...

One of the nominees for another candidate phoned me last night and asked if I wanted help with my campaign.

Phil said...

How every nice for you Gary. As your volunteer base is quite small, I trust you took them up on the offer.