HERE IN TAMESIDE NOTHING HAS CHANGED, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE IT MIGHT!

 

In the run up to the local elections, social media is awash with selfies of beaming groups of councillors, decked out in rosettes and waving posters.

However, despite the smiling façade, people on the doorstep told a different story.

As well as being constantly lied to, by politicians, the media, and so-called’ experts; raging apathy at local level over Tameside’s skewed version of local democracy, anger over service decline in the face of council tax rises, not to mention frustration over delays to Brexit, created a massive disinterest in politics at local level, which again saw the voter count decline and those who did find the energy to drag themselves to the polling stations, many either spoilt their voting slips or voted for smaller parties or independents.

Democracy is supposed to be the rule by the majority. This is untrue.

To say that any elected official is chosen by the people through majority rule is blatantly dishonest.

If someone is elected, all it means is that a majority of the voting populace has chosen someone, not the majority of the people subject to the council’s decisions.

 

Let’s just look at what the ruling Labour council call democracy.

 

In Tameside local elections take place every 4 years, but only for 1/3^rd of the council seats. The total number of councillors is 57.The make up being 51 Labour, 5 Tory and 1 Green.

Here are the round numbers of non-voters. Out of Tameside’s 224.000 population: just over 50,000 weren't allowed to vote, and only 45,000 did vote. That means that only 26% took part in the local ‘democratic’ circus and 74% either couldn’t or didn’t! These councillors then go on to decide what is best for all 100% of us for the next 4 years; which is basically the same inertia and piss poor services that they have been soaking us with for the last 4+ decades!

Only in the cloud-cuckoo land of democratic theory can this be called "majority rule."

Two things must change for true democracy to return to Tameside. 1) Is to make voting compulsory, and 2) Is for all the councillors to put up for election at the same time. Then, whatever the result, it would at least carry a close resemblance to a democratic one.

I had to look twice at the slogans and histrionics that regaled their canvassing paraphernalia.

‘Labour Councillors are making a tangible difference to people’s lives, day after day, and how Labour Councillors have made – and continue to make – a difference in local communities, not to mention how councillors have been innovative in finding ways to ensure our communities remain strong and cohesive.'

 

Really?

If they don’t agree with my remarks, perhaps they could put their 51 heads together and furnish this blog with 3 examples of their innovations which has resulted in sustainable community cohesion.

Failing that, could they give examples of how, using their assets creatively, they have reduced the financial burden on Tameside’s taxpayers.

An answer would be nice, but I won't hold my breath!