You can tell there’s an election on the way, although it is a fallow year here in Wyre Forest (notwithstanding the by election for Bewdley Town Council). This week, across the country, thousands of council seats are up for grabs.
By the time readers see this column, we will know the results. A huge debate will erupt over the cut through of Party-gate, Kier’s Beer-gate, Tractor-gate, Sexism-gate, and all the other mudslinging that has been going on in every direction, from every senior politician of just about every party.
Arguments whether there was an electoral pact between opposition parties will carry on. Labour deny they have stood aside in many contests in the south west to help Lib Dems. If that is true, it is a shocking admission that the main party of opposition can’t find candidates to stand in seats in large parts of the country.
But it is inevitable that voters will use the opportunity of a ballot box to pass judgement on what is going on in Westminster. With turnout around half that of a general election, it is not easy to read through exactly what is going. And a vote against the government at a local election means not having to live with the consequences.
Of course, what is at stake is who fills the pot holes, who trims the offensive bush. The humdrum of local politics may seem trivial, but it is all about our local lived environment. Witness the local plan recently passed by Wyre Forest District Council after 7 years of consultation. The Shuttle has reported ugly scenes with the police being called when some members of the public, witnessing the meeting, became aggressive. A councillor has resigned as a result (another by-election), but it reminds us all that local politics is incredibly important. And for politicians, it can be dangerous.
We shall see just how much the shenanigans in Westminster have affected local politics. My guess is that turnout will be low, making it harder to judge.
But what I have learnt in my 20 years in politics and 12 years in Parliament is that everyone who goes into politics, of every party, does so because they believe in public service and working to improve their communities. Politics is open to everyone over 18 who is not in prison or the House of Lords and without it, our communities would be far worse off. People are right to judge the character of politicians’ ability to lead, but don’t take it out on hard working councillors.