Wells constituency round-up

By Wells_Jaqui | Tuesday, March 09, 2010, 19:44

With an estimated two months to go until the general election, WellsPeople takes a high-level look at the candidates aiming to secure your vote.

David or Tessa for Wells?

With the current national polls putting the Conservatives 7% clear of labour (currently 38% to Labour’s 31%) it is clear that our local picture for Wells is rather different as a two-horse race between incumbent MP Conservative David Heathcoat-Amory and would-be MP, Liberal Democrat Tessa Munt.

In 2005 the turnout was 68% and Heathcoat-Amory secured 23071 votes against Munt’s 20031 and Labour’s 8288. This majority is pretty marginal in reality and the word on the street is that the BBC are planning on visiting Wells on the election night. They only tend to do this in constituencies where there will be a good story, for example when experts are predicting the likelihood of a swing.

Both candidates are busy visiting focus groups in the community to raise their profiles. A recent blemish on Heathcoat-Amory’s otherwise highly-praised record came in the way of the expense scandal where he was recently expected to repay in the region of £30,000 pounds.

It is interesting to note that neither candidate has yet chosen to utilise the power of Twitter to keep the electorate apprised of their intentions. Both have their own websites, and have set-up Facebook groups to maintain a presence on the social network utility. In fact it is worth noting that there are seven years’ worth of new voters since the last election and reaching these younger voters via social networking is going to be crucial to winning them over.

In the run-up to the election we will be providing the latest press releases, policy focus, analysis and opinion polls. We very much hope to have David and Tessa writing here directly to keep us informed on what their policies will mean in real terms to Wells residents.

We would also love to hear about the issues that really matter to YOU. Please share your views and priorities so that they can see what you expect of them.

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Comments

I'm not too sure where 'Nothingworth' is coming from!!

Neither David Heathcoat-Amory or most other MP's mis-claimed anything...and that's according to a Judge! Some which may have misclaimed, are currently going through the legal process.

It's a bit odd that only some MP's had to pay back some money - esp. when the Judge blamed the system and not the claiments! Also the repayments where based upon new rules applied to old claims....a bit like your employer insisting that you repay the company a whole load of money for your 2008 claims because of the changed 2010 rules!

As for our MP speaking on many issues - he does speak on issues in the Chamber, in committee and in other parts of Parliment.

However, this is in stark contrast to the Lib Dem MP's, who have abandoned their posts in Parliment and headed back to their constituencies to campaign for their re-elections!!

In effect being paid £65K+ (as well as many other public expenses) to act as a glorified Councillour, pointing at cracked pavements and hanging around local areas. Their job is in Parliment, representing their constituency and country....not using public cash to pump up their profiles!!

By mow633 at 13:21 on 18/03/10
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Of course Heathcoat amory was not even prepared to make public comment on his False claims from PUBLIC purse, And as Tory MPs goes , hes so boring and never says anything in Parliament unless its about Europe, But He fits in well with Boring Wells really

By Nothingworth at 06:48 on 17/03/10
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As far as general elections go - most MP's are elected on majorities of under 5000. The fact that David Heathcoat-Amory has increased his majority at each election since 1997 shows that a lot of people do beleive in him. In fact, I'm always surpised how many people I know who vote for other parties in Local Elections - will back him at each General Election!

By mow633 at 14:05 on 10/03/10
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I'd do pretty much anything to see Gordon Brown out of office, with the exception of voting for DH-A. Having met the guy and then followed the expenses debacle, I have no faith that he is acting in the interests of the voting population.
It's, perhaps, a good thing that I've moved out of the constituency and can vote for someone I believe in.

By RSPorter at 08:51 on 10/03/10
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I think a lot of people did not realise how close it was last time - should be interesting this time round!

By TimothyL12 at 20:01 on 09/03/10
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