Endorsement application successful!

It has been a great day today. We got the proofs from the printers on the leaflets (limited print run as the finances dictate), but we needed to make some alterations - not least that we can now add that I am endorsed by the Independent Network. News came through this afternoon so I'm really very pleased. I'm not lacking in self-belief, but it's nice to know that someone else believes in you enough to say that yes, you would make a good MP. I want to say thanks to those who wrote me such glowing references as well.

It's nice to know that myself, Paul Edwards, and other Independents here in Cheshire are not just an outpost comprising of a few people standing against the system, but that there is a growing network of Independents across the country.

I've already had a few phone calls from voters eager to find out what I'm all about. I'm glad people are taking me up on the invitation to get in touch at any time. I was also happy to pick up some case work for a Crewe and Nantwich resident today who was unhappy with the way his case had been dealt with in the constituency. Hopefully I can get him a positive outcome, as I never take 'no' for an answer like some other councillors/politicians will if it means they can just close the door on a case.


So I'll be out and about in Crewe hopefully tomorrow with a few leaflets run off my own computer (however I'm having significant technical issues as we speak, so it may be me minus leaflets). It will be our first day of street level campaigning, so will be an opportunity to gauge some reaction from the public. Looking forward to it very much.

Martin Bell OBE records video in support of Independents

Many of you will remember Martin Bell OBE, former Independent MP for not-so-far-away Tatton. He is currently supporting the 2010 General Election Independent PPCs through his work with the Independent Network and he has just released a video and letter to potential Independent voters.
Letter: http://bit.ly/duE9Sv
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR8SBHyEEt0

Whilst on the subject of the Independent Network, I am currently in the process of putting together the necessary documentation to apply for endorsement by this organisation. This will be really important if I can get it, as it is basically a quality mark for Independent Candidates. I will keep you posted!

When will the Tories leave those billboards alone?

Well, firstly I'd like to wish a Happy Belated Easter to everbody. I'd hoped to catch up with my sadly neglected blog over the weekend but found that as usual I had a truck load of Council work and case work to be doing, and I certainly can't neglect my duties in that respect.

I did travel through Crewe though at the weekend and found myself cringing at the latest Conservative posters I was bombarded with on the way into town. If I was Edward Timpson, I don't know whether I'd be glad of the support, or worried about why the party thinks it needs to defend its territory so desperately.

Anyway, the posters, which feature a picture of Gordon Brown smiling and saying things such as (don't quote me), 'I caused the highest ever youth unemployment...Vote for me.' I can't stand that kind of negative campaigning.

Perhaps I am being slightly hypocritical, since I am also having a go at the opposition, and have criticised the main parties since I declared I would stand.

The difference, I believe, is in the fact that I find those Tory posters incredibly patronising, and they try to pretend that a Conservative government would never have made mistakes in anything like the way Labour has. I mean come on, if history is anything to go by...

If you are going to begin an assault on the opposition, you need to have a leg to stand on. Fortunately, I do. My track record as a Councillor proves it. Yet despite all this, you won't find me trying to make a fool out of anyone by using cheap jokes, especially not the electorate.