2012 Local Election Results

My local council is yet to declare its results so I cannot vent yet.

Although not complete, there has yet to be a seismic conclusion to be drawn from the declared results.

The results seem to be following the predicted pattern.

And the predicted party lines and reasoning have started to be trotted out.

Some interesting questions appear to be surfacing ?

The turnout is low, ( far too low ! ) and none of the usual figures seems to give a toss ! Tradition dictates that when the electorate is angry a higher turnout follows. So we are not angry ? Not a conclusion I would rush towards. A failure of politicians to convince the us that their worth our vote ?

The mayoral project seems to be a dead duck for large parts of the country. To be honest this subject has passed me by. With no possibility of being subjected to the possible tyranny of a city champion I an not affected either way. My instinct is that mayors are bad, too much power in the hands of one person. And if majors were widely operated across the country surely what will really happen is a adversarial competition or behind closed doors stitch up ?

The number of councils under no overall control ( NOC ) appears to have reduced. An association with the loss of more Lib Dem councilors possibility but a shame. NOC's should be the most productive model for local politics.

Generally, the labour gains will be good. I believe in checks and balances and the idea that slavish implementation of central government policies at a local level is a very bad thing.

Is it sad that I keep checking my local authority website for results ?

The First Ever Post

Welcome to the new blog.

Taken 4 Granted was inspired by the writers utter frustration with how the average citizen of the UK is being governed, represented, managed and frankly shafted by our politicians, political parties, statutory bodies, quangos and big business.

The underlying premise is that " they " all take for granted the following :-

• A promise is not an promise because circumstances change. 

• You and I are not willing by thought, deed or action capable of holding them to account.

• Instead of discourse, debate, discussion and making a compelling case it is better ( and easier ) to smear, spin, intimidate, threaten and destroy anybody who has the conviction to be counted and say " Stop, listen, your wrong ".

• One party politics is a perfect and compelling model for governance. 

• Global economic forces are the responsibility of nobody.

• The phrase " Sorry, we f**ked up ! " does not exist in the English language.

• Elected representatives hold power not office, and that authority, accountability and responsibility must at all times never be, but always seem to be.

• Your vote, whether exercised or not, is for sale.

• Freedom is a privilege, not a right. 

• We will continue to accept the status quo.

The writer is not a member of any political party, trade union, employed or professionally linked to any business associated with political activity, lobbying etc so is agnostic as to agendas. And targets :-)

The Internet gives us all the freedom and tools to express our views, communicate, network, share and above all engage in trying to improve our lives and those of others.

If you are entertained, amused, motivated or even infuriated by the contents of this blog then good.

To quote the sitcom character Wolfie " Power to the People ! "

Thank you for your time.

PS. Officially diagnosed dyslexic so this could get interesting at times.