Local elections are a time of hurried canvassing, leaflet distribution and tense debates, with each party highlighting their policies in a desperate attempt to secure the public’s votes. But just how much do the candidates have to do in order to secure a place in Parliament? I followed Weston-super-Mare’s liberal democrat candidate: Mike Bell, to experience a day in the life of a politician.
Mike was born in Weston-super-Mare in 1973, and attended local schools, before setting up home in the town centre with his family. His interest in politics developed when he became a member of the Young Liberal Democrats, and pursued to become political leader of the town council in 2003. Since then, he has also been elected as the youngest councillor to North Somerset Council and was selected to represent Weston-super-Mare as the Parliamentary candidate in 2006.
Mike invited me to shadow him for a day during the busy campaigning period in preparation for the upcoming election. The current liberal democrat offices are located in a converted shop in Mead Vale, Weston. Upon arrival, I was greeted by several volunteers, who were preparing leaflets and forms for those who have applied for a postal vote. The group was made up of members of Mike’s family, as well as some local residents, many of whom were retired.
Mike arrived in a traditional suit and tie, with a yellow “Liberal Democrat” rosette. He explained that this was so that whilst canvassing, people would not confuse him for a door-to-door salesman, and therefore were more likely to answer the door.
Once we had left the office, Mike and another of the volunteers used the electoral roll to locate the addresses of people eligible to vote. Unfortunately, a Thursday morning is not the perfect time to be canvassing, as many people are at work, however, the people that were home were greeted by Mike, by him introducing himself, and explaining that he is the local Liberal Democrat candidate, and the Conservatives are only leading by a small percentage in this constituency. Some of the people we met had already decided who they were voting for, whereas others voiced their concerns, and asked questions about the Liberal Democrat policy etc.
After each visit, a note would be made on who each person were voting for, or if they were undecided. This was so that they could pinpoint which people may need some extra persuading to vote for the Liberal Democrats, and so Mike can see the range of supporters there are for each party in the area.
We returned to the office for a light lunch with the other volunteers. It was a very friendly, relaxed atmosphere, and I was made to feel very welcome, being asked about University and this assignment.
After lunch we resumed canvassing in the area until 3pm, when Mike was to appear in a hustings at Fussels Court, an apartment complex for the over 60s. This was a very exciting affair, as the 3 candidates for Weston-super-Mare were all participating in a Question and Answer session from the residents and guests.
The room was set up with a panels desk at the front, covered in a green cloth. The current MP for Weston (Conservative John Penrose) was seated in the middle, with Mike to his left, and Labour candidate David Bradley to his right. The moderator also had a green clothed table positioned further into the left corner of the room.
The questions asked were split into sections: Economy and Pensions, Housing, National Debt, Unemployment etc. Each candidate was given the opportunity to answer and explain how their policies would tackle the issues raised. I felt that both Liberal Democrats and Conservative were very strong on the matters raised, whereas Labour seemed to flail slightly. This may be because Labour is not very popular in the constituency, and have never won in Weston-super-Mare.
Mike came across as confident and passionate, with lots of common sense, and well-researched information. For example, one resident asked “Why should I trust any MP from any party after breaking the law and getting away with it” (referring to the expenses scandal). Mike responded to this by saying that no MP should be trusted, as trust is something which needs to be earned, which the current Parliament have not done. Also, when asked what the most important thing to change is, both locally and nationally, Mike replied with the Council, and the Government, highlighting that a new start is what the area needs, after previous mistakes and decisions have proven detrimental to both Weston-super-Mare, and the country.
The hustings ended around 4pm, followed by tea and biscuits with the guests, residents and other organisers of the event. This gave people a chance to meet the candidates personally, and ask any further questions. Once the guests had left, Mike and I were treated to a tour of the apartment complex, followed by a walk back to the headquarters to lock up the office.
Overall, I had an enjoyable day working with Mike Bell and the other Liberal Democrat supporters. I found them all very friendly, and Mike was very easy to get along with, taking an interest in my thoughts and opinions regarding the election and the local area.
My expectations of the day were definitely exceeded, as previously I have never been very interested in politics. Spending a day with a politician helps put information learnt in lectures into practise, and helps you to understand the other side of the election. It was very good to see Mike out on the streets canvassing, and talking to the public, instead of sending supporters to do it for him. I think it sends out a very good impression, as it shows people that the candidates are willing to make the effort to talk to them personally. Overall, I feel enlightened by this experience, as it has made me a lot more interested in the upcoming election, and the government in general.
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