Re: Voting Systems

[PanBiker]

Local Tories want to move to only having Borough elections once every four years instead of the staggered elections we have now. They are also proposing reducing the number of council seats by about a third to around 30 seats. This would mean that there would be no cross party representation in most wards in the Borough.

Unanimously opposed by members of Barnoldswick Labour Party at our branch meeting this last week and fed to the GC (General Committee). A wider debate on this and voting options in general has been scheduled for discussion for next months branch meeting agenda.

[Stanley]

Shades of Lady Porter, remember her?

[PanBiker]

If the Tory suggestions come to fruition, you could conceivably get the scenario that all elected councillors could be novices. As it is now you always have existing experienced councillors in all of the political groups. This allows the council to continue functioning as the new novices gain experience.I know in our party, new councillors are paired with existing councillor mentors to show them the ropes.

[PanBiker]

Local Tories want to move to only having Borough elections once every four years instead of the staggered elections we have now. They are also proposing reducing the number of council seats by about a third to around 30 seats. This would mean that there would be no cross party representation in most wards in the Borough.

Unanimously opposed by members of Barnoldswick Labour Party at our branch meeting this last week and fed to the GC (General Committee). A wider debate on this and voting options in general has been scheduled for discussion for next months branch meeting agenda.

Well two years later and this has more or less fully come to pass. The Tory invoked Boundary Commission has had it's way with the Pendle Constituency and in West Craven we find that half of Barlick has been moved and added to Earby. All the old polling districts have gone and we now have four for the new Barnoldswick Ward, Coates and Craven Wards have ceased to exist. The new designation for the other half of the West Craven area is Earby & Coates Ward. Polling places have yet to be finalised by the council who are dragging their feet somewhat on this. In mitigation, the council electoral department is down to one officer and two part time workers so they do have a lot on so to speak.

There will be all out local elections in Pendle next May for the reduced quota of councillors required in the new ward structure. County Council Elections will also take place.

[Stanley]

Amazing what passes for 'improvement'. And not a hint of gerrymandering of course.

[PanBiker]

Have a read of this:

How long have we used First Past the Post? You might be surprised

Sign if you agree that we need a change.

[Stanley]