Sadly, today I wasn’t elected. After a marathon campaign, it wasn’t enough to convince enough people to vote Conservative. The actual result was:
- Liz Oades – Independent – 2,594
- Simon Renwick – Conservative – 1,607
- Dennis Davenport – Labour – 317
Across Lancashire, the Conservatives elsewhere did better – winning control for the first time since 1977. Congratulations to Paul, Tim and Fabian, who won their seats in Fylde, and to Geoff Driver who becomes the new Leader of Lancashire and who has again said Council Tax will be frozen next year.
My agent will be writing a post tomorrow on his views on the campaign and some of the people involved.
In the meantime, I’d like to finish this article by saying thanks to everyone who took part in the campaign and to those people who voted for me. I remain a borough councillor for Wesham and will continue to work in the wider community on some of the issues which have been raised. I’m off to bed!
Letters have started to land on the doormats of voters in Kirkham, Wesham and surrounding villages from David Cameron. He’s writing to people in this area because Labour’s control of Lancashire hangs on the results in just a few seats – including this one.
And, to demonstrate that we are putting the community first, and party politics second, he’s writing to people regardless of their political views and urging them to vote for change.
There is now a clear campaign in this election to do as much damage to me personally as is needed to stop me from being elected on Thursday. So, no debate on the issues facing Kirkham, Wesham and nearby villages.
Instead, the voters are receiving a steady stream of negative messages. There are now around 48 hours to go. People in this community have a very clear choice: more of the same or time for change.
Those who have received my latest leaflet will know that two former political ‘opponents’ are backing the Conservatives on Thursday. As far as I know, this is unprecedented in Fylde.
John Bennett, a respected Independent Councillor in Kirkham has stated that he’s backing the Conservatives for the County elections as the only way to send a message to Gordon Brown.
Norman Abram, until recently the Deputy Leader of Lancashire’s Liberal Democrats, is also backing us to win. The Lib Dems couldn’t find candidates for half of Lancashire, including here in Fylde East.
Last weekend was one of the best I can remember. The weather was great, loads of volunteers turned up to help the campaign, the latest leaflet hit most doormats and it all concluded with a relaxed pint in the sun with some friends.
The response from most people was very positive. I was a bit worried the MP expenses row and some of the negative tactics by my opponents may have had an impact.
I’m glad to say that David Cameron’s ‘tough and swift’ action on MPs who abuse public money and the work I have been doing in the community have kept much of the support.
Fylde East is a key target for the Conservatives and it’s one we can win but it’s going to take every single vote to do it!
Nick Clegg, the current leader of the Liberal Democrats today refuses to pay back a £2.5 million donation given to them by a convicted fraudster. Could this mean that the focus leaflet coming through your door has been paid for by someone else’s money? It does seem that the Lib Dems are a bit of a joke; they lose MEPs, Councillors and activists to the Conservatives, they can’t return dodgy money, and they simply cannot win here.
I think Lib Dem voters expect better. The Conservatives would scrap the ID Card, hold a vote on the Lisbon Treaty and bringing in measures to protect our environment.
I took Saturday night and Sunday off from the campaign trail and visited the Lake District with my two kids. I find it very peaceful and the landscape is very inspiring. But it back at it today with less than two weeks to go to the elections it’s all systems go with one more leaflet and plenty of doors still to knock on.
I’ve dealt with a lady who should be having help with her bin, but the bin men seem to forget to help. I’ve ensured that the director takes the appropriate action.
If you are one of the many people who has opted to vote by post, congratulations! Hundreds of people across Kirkham, Wesham and the villages nearby have responded to our recent mailing and applied to vote in this way.
You should, in the next day or so, have received your postal vote. You’ll receive one for the County election and one for the European election. Sadly, every year, some people don’t complete or return their postal vote as the law requires. So , here’s a few tips to make sure your vote is counted:
FOR THE COUNTY BALLOT PAPER:
- Put a ‘x’ next to one of the three candidates listed. I’m hoping that will be Simon Renwick…
- Put that in the brown envelope
- Sign the declaration and add your date of birth – don’t worry – this is just to help with spot checks. The data isn’t recorded anywhere.
- Put the brown envelope and the declaration in the white envelope and post them back as soon as you can (some people lose theirs!)
FOR THE EUROPEAN ELECTIONS:
- Tick the Party you wish to see elected (you have a choice of 13. Again, I’m hoping that’s Conservative. I don’t think we have seen any of the other party’s candidates in Fylde this year)
- Then follow the same procedure as above
Your vote really does matter in these elections. Here in Lancashire, the Conservatives need just 0.3% more votes to beat Gordon Brown and New Labour. No other Party or candidate can do that.
I today visited Newton’s Bluecoats school with Greg Clark MP. Greg is the Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary. Bluecoats School is an eco school and the pupils were keen to talk to Greg and myself about what they are doing to fight climate change, to recycle and to grow their own food. Greg and I were very impressed with the school and both of us thought the dedication of Mr. Bird and his staff towards creating a happy environment to learn was immense and praiseworthy.
The young people were very knowledgeable on climate change issues and impressed Greg with their questioning. I think Bluecoats School is another shining example of Fylde’s primary education. It is interesting to note that Bluecoats was the first Grant Maintained School in Lancashire and lead the way. I think that conservative policy is the bed rock of why this is such an exceptional school.
Greg Clark MP with the school's eco committee.
