Canvassing!

[bencollier49]

Out canvassing for the first time today. It was extremely interesting. In case you didn't know, I'm running for a seat on Hertfordshire County Council in the elections this May 2nd, on behalf of the Green Party

Comments

[bencollier49]

Well, I have a clear local appeal as a result of a lot of green-belt building which is going on.

Secondly, in our area, the Tories were out in front, but I anticipate that they'll have their vote cut in half by UKIP. People are moving from Labour to Green, so the whole thing's blown open. There is no possible tactical vote.

So that's the situation. We have a chance. The question is whether or not Labour voters moving to UKIP could be a problem, but it's our job to make sure people know that the Green Party support a referendum on Europe, but also have loads of excellent social policies.

[bencollier49]

In reply to your question about the UKIP, they're strong for a number of reasons. Cameron got the Tories in by making a show of centrism, and to keep the coalition going, they need to make concessions to the Lib Dems, so there are a lot of disgruntled Conservatives. But there have always been a lot of right wingers out there, and while the BNP was the only party further right, they stuck to voting Conservative. But now the UKIP have gained credibility, by Cameron trying to make concessions to their demands, all those people are now moving to across. Also, a lot of right-wingers who don't normally vote are voting UKIP. But the "they're taking our jobs" brand of working-class Labour voter is attracted to some extent as well I think.

But they really aren't a local-issue party, and the Green message is positive, intelligent, and well-thought out. We seem to attract that sort of person :-)

[veronikos]

I figured you would run for office some day.