MP for Coventry?
Feb. 1st, 2005 10:14 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sobriqueOne of the things I've been mulling over for a while now, is trying to stand for MP in the next general election. It's becoming quite clear, from the fact that the parties are becoming more vocal, that this is going to be Real Soon Now.
Now I sort of have the feeling that this is perhaps a plan that's doomed to failure. That said, as it stands, the registration fee is £500, minimum vote is 5%, and each candidate is entitled to one election communication per voter, free of postage.
So I guess the question is, would you vote for and/or support a 'none of the above' party candidate?
The line going (approximately):
"The election is approaching fast, and in all honesty, none of the candidates were ones I wanted to vote for. So I thought I'd try for another option."
And "I don't want a government that thinks that house arrest without a trial is 'ok'. I don't want a government that thinks xenophobia is a positive point. I don't want a representative that takes the party line, rather than what's good for the local constituency."
Now I sort of have the feeling that this is perhaps a plan that's doomed to failure. That said, as it stands, the registration fee is £500, minimum vote is 5%, and each candidate is entitled to one election communication per voter, free of postage.
So I guess the question is, would you vote for and/or support a 'none of the above' party candidate?
The line going (approximately):
"The election is approaching fast, and in all honesty, none of the candidates were ones I wanted to vote for. So I thought I'd try for another option."
And "I don't want a government that thinks that house arrest without a trial is 'ok'. I don't want a government that thinks xenophobia is a positive point. I don't want a representative that takes the party line, rather than what's good for the local constituency."
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2005-02-01 03:51 pm (UTC)Actually, my real problem is that I fundamentally dislike the 'party system'. Winning, well, whilst optimistically, there's a chance, at the moment there a grand total of 1 Independant MP in Parliment (out of around 650) so the odds are pretty crap. Keeping the deposit though, I reckon is achievable, if difficult.
Technically, there's a limit on campaign expenses to £5000 (ish). Which of course, even if you do regain your deposit, you've still lost out there, but it's definitely not the case that the seats are 'bought'.
no subject
Date: 2005-02-01 04:58 pm (UTC)There's more to supporting a candidate than money. Other party members volintarily giving their time to help you campaign Really Helps.
no subject
Date: 2005-02-01 07:01 pm (UTC)