It can’t have escaped your notice that an election is coming up. One of the most significant in a long time; a National Election that seems too close to call with support growing for the minor parties – how that translates in a First Past the Post (FPTP) system is likely to disappoint those hoping for change. Is there an argument for Proportional Representation (PR) as a way of breaking the stranglehold of the main 2½ parties? According to polling, it is looking like Labour will suffer significant losses – even a wipe-out – in Scotland , making things interesting post-election. Will the Lib Dems suffer for their part in the coalition?
Bolton West, which includes Westhoughton, is a key marginal, Julie Hilling (Labour) winning the seat by just 92 votes last time round. Contesting the seat: Chris Green for the Conservatives; a Bolton Councillor, Andrew Martin for the Lib Dems; Bob Horsefield for UKIP; local artist, Andy Smith as an Independent, and John Vickers, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition. The Greens decided not to contest this seat; there has been talk of a deal. Whilst premature and based on a relatively small sample, Lord Ashcroft polling in 2014 indicated a healthy lead for the incumbent.
Local Council Elections 2015
Westhoughton Town Council
There are 12 town councillors re-standing, 6 have stood down, with 18 seats in 6 wards up for election. Roles are voluntary and unpaid.
I have been an Independent town councillor for the Chequerbent ward for the past 3 years, having forced a by-election in 2012 due to the elected councillor failing to attend any meetings for over a year. It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the ward and be on the Town Council. I believe I’ve made some positive contributions. My attendance is over 90% (second highest). It has been interesting seeing the dynamics within the Town Council – there are some good people within. We may not always agree and it is important to challenge and speak out when necessary.
I’ve taken on additional roles such as representing Westhoughton at the Lancashire Association of Local Councils (LALC), elected by my colleagues as a delegate at the National Association of Local Councils (NALC). As such, our town is well-represented in both workings and policy-making of Parish Councils.
Personally, it matters a lot that I have been able to carry on the tradition of the Independent Councillor on the Town Council. It would be good if there were more local citizens coming forward.
There are two seats in this ward with three candidates, myself and two Labour party candidates. Of the three, I am the only one living
in the ward.
Westhoughton Town Council
Chequerbent ward
Vote Candidate
no. 3 | Jack Speight
| Independent ý
As a matter of interest, a number of seats for the Town Council went uncontested meaning six councillors were elected by default – all Labour. Said party will continue to dominate the Chamber.
Westhoughton North
with Chew Moor.
With two seats available on this Bolton Council Ward, the second due to the resignation of Sean Harkin from the Labour Party [Bolton News], I have put myself forward as an Independent Councillor.
These positions come with an allowance – I have taken a decision, if elected, after any expenses to donate this money to community groups in the ward – independently verified and transparent. For me it is about the opportunity to serve.
There are 10 candidates
standing – the Labour Party putting forward two candidates. Whilst I appreciate people will have their political preferences, I ask that you at least consider an Independent for your second vote. Bolton Council in particular needs other, difference voices within to break the Labour hegemony. This is particularly important for Westhoughton with some big and far-reaching issues coming up, where a local voice will matter much more than the party line.
Having an Independent with the council means questions can be asked of how the council is run and how Westhoughton it treated and represented. This information will be shared. In time one Independent can become two and three… There is a political shift underway, away from what we have been served up for decades; these are interesting times. Mainstream party politics is not the solution – it is the problem; jaded, indistinguishable. Democracy needs to be both representative and closer to the people.
Westhoughton North with Chew Moor ward
Vote Candidate
no. 8 | Jack Speight
| Independent ý
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