My duaghter is standing to be a Member of the UK Parliament.

[oggbashan]

My daughter is standing to be a Member of the UK Parliament.

My daughter is now campaigning to be elected as a Member of the Parliament at Westminster. She and I know she has no feasible possibility of being elected because she represents a minority party and is standing in a seat that is 'safe' for a major party. Even if the major party's candidate were to do something incredibly stupid, the candidate for the other major party would be elected instead. She knows she will lose her deposit of £500 but feels the election gives her a chance to express her party's views and the £500 cost is worth that.

There are many people like her standing in the December election for causes that have no possibility of obtaining representation at Westminster, but their enthusiasm and dedication keeps democracy alive even if the general public think 'WTF?'.

She might, if she is fortunate, get more votes than the Official Monster Raving Loony Party candidate -yes, there is such a political party in the UK - and probably more votes than the flying spaghetti monster or Donald Duck, but not many more.

I'm proud of her even if I think she is misguided...

 

[Fuzzy1975]

You should be proud. Speaking as an elected person in my country, I give credit to anyone (whether I agree with their politics or not) willing to take that stand, and put themselves out there.

To those who may comment negatively, (the ones who have not knocked on those doors, spoken to those people and defended their political beliefs... )shut the fuck up!

 

[oggbashan]

Back in the early 1960s I went out canvassing for two General Elections. As an inexperienced canvasser I was sent into areas where supporters of our party were as rare as hen's teeth. I had some interesting discussions on the doorsteps with some voters who thought talking to me would dilute our party's efforts. What they didn't realise that I was a diversion - because I was out there the other party would have to canvass the same area or be accused of neglecting their supporters, and they would have to send better and more experienced people than me.

One doorstep was interesting. It was answered by the Butler who said: "His Lordship sits in the House of Lords and is ineligible to vote. All the family and the staff are on the electoral roll at His Lordship's family seat so cannot vote here. But I will inform His Lordship that you called."

[His Lordship was a retired grandee of the other party.]

 

[domroger]

If she has your good sense and amiability she might surprise you .
Even if she fails it's an experience that will look good on her resume and will expand her horizons .

 

[ericrodman101]

Back in the early 1960s I went out canvassing for two General Elections. As an inexperienced canvasser I was sent into areas where supporters of our party were as rare as hen's teeth. I had some interesting discussions on the doorsteps with some voters who thought talking to me would dilute our party's efforts. What they didn't realise that I was a diversion - because I was out there the other party would have to canvass the same area or be accused of neglecting their supporters, and they would have to send better and more experienced people than me.

One doorstep was interesting. It was answered by the Butler who said: "His Lordship sits in the House of Lords and is ineligible to vote. All the family and the staff are on the electoral roll at His Lordship's family seat so cannot vote here. But I will inform His Lordship that you called."

[His Lordship was a retired grandee of the other party.]

So I'm guessing you weren't canvassing in Grimsby.

 

[rae121452]

does she get to sit down if she wins?

 

[oggbashan]

does she get to sit down if she wins?

Maybe. If all MPs go into the House of Commons there aren't enough seats to sit on.

 

[YDB95]

To those who may comment negatively, (the ones who have not knocked on those doors, spoken to those people and defended their political beliefs... )shut the fuck up!

Amen! Agree or disagree, it takes guts to stick your neck out.

 

[dan_c00000]

As an inexperienced canvasser I was sent into areas where supporters of our party were as rare as hen's teeth.

If you don't get out, they ain't gunna turn out.

does she get to sit down if she wins?

She'll get to use the super secret Tube entrance to Parliament if she does.

 

[oggbashan]

If you don't get out, they ain't gunna turn out.



She'll get to use the super secret Tube entrance to Parliament if she does.

She might not want to. It is stinky and awash with urine.

 

[domroger]

She might not want to. It is stinky and awash with urine.

And does not count the stench from corrupt MPs .

 

[oggbashan]

And does not count the stench from corrupt MPs .

Apart from the MPs, the Houses of Parliament are in a dire state. If the general public was working there, they would be condemned as unfit for human use.

 

[oggbashan]

My daughter has been out doorstep campaigning.

Although a lot of people respect the Green Party's stance, and listen to her politely, very, very few are going to waste their vote on the Greens.

She will lose her deposit. But crowdfunding has produced enough to cover that and their low-key campaign.

 

[domroger]

My daughter has been out doorstep campaigning.

Although a lot of people respect the Green Party's stance, and listen to her politely, very, very few are going to waste their vote on the Greens.

She will lose her deposit. But crowdfunding has produced enough to cover that and their low-key campaign.

You may be surprised Ogg ,a lot of people are pissed off with the main parties and are seeking alternatives and she may get her deposit back ,no vote is a waste even if you spoil the ballot by writing none of the above .

 

[where_is_RUTH]

In normal elections, the greens play a vital role. By raising green issues it pushes their agenda (in a similar manner to your decoy tactics above) by influencing larger parties you can punch above your weight.

This is not a normal election.

(As a remainer) personal I'd like to see remain parties forming tactical alliances to force the electorate into stark binary options. Otherwise these issues will not go away.

But I wouldn't dream of telling anyone who to vote for, so kudos to your daughter for putting here money where her mouth is.

I would let you that to vote Tory is to acquiesce to what has happened for the last 10+ years. We have their record in office and there must be a better way.