onionbagblog

That time once again: time to elect a new set of councillors to Wivenhoe Town Council.

Cripes.

Except it’s not. With an increased workload and a subsequent increase from the traditional eleven officers to thirteen, only eleven names have thrown their hat into the political ring and stepped forward for civic service.

Which leaves Wivenhoe with a coronation of councillors, rather than being held to account at the ballot box. Anywhere else and this might be a bit of an issue. But here in Wivenhoe there is very much the consensus that the unpaid councillors carry out a rather fine job, pretty much in a non-party political manner as well.

And so representing WTC for the next four years, please step forward: Jennifer Campbell, Ian Endean, Kay Hall, Penny Kraft, Neil Lodge, Bob Needham, Kevin Read, Fran Richards, Brian Sinclair, Albey Stinson and Andrea Vaughan.

It is expected that Councillor Needham will wear the civic chain as Mr Mayor (hurrah!) for the next twelve months. It’s a mighty tough act to follow on from Councillor Sinclair, but I’m sure that yer man is up for the challenge.

It is great to see some new faces sitting around the top table, as well as the experience of some of the returning officers. Congratulations all on stepping forward for what has to be said once again - UNPAID civic service.

As the Pop Genius of this Parish so rightfully points out in the excellent A Prospect of Wivenhoe:

“The WTC of recent times has always been rather nice and approachable. It chiefly comprises of people who know the worth of the place and love living here. Sometimes there are cock ups… it would be unusual if there were not. At other times – when not hamstrung by the far larger Borough Council – our Councillors do genuinely good and valuable work, much of it behind the scenes.”

And so what happens now with the remaining two unfilled vacancies? Being co-opted is an option - anyone who wants to take on the responsibility of being a councillor can come forward, and the new administration can agree to this.

It’s not a perfect system of democracy, but it may just flush out some talent that was maybe weary of the possible pitfalls of a local election process. I’m sitting firmly on my hands, Comrades.

Meanwhile, what of the big boys and girls of Colchester Borough Council? Anyone settling down for a quiet evening in front of Eastenders of late may have been disturbed by some gunning rosette wearing types, demanding to kiss the first born in the house and pose for a photo opportunity. I think @AnnaJCowen secretly rather enjoyed her rather wet slap around the lips.

Yep - the serious business of electing a couple of new borough councillors for Wivenhoe is well underway. Keep your eye on the prize at all times. Which in Wivenhoe means one seat in the Cross ward, and one seat down in the Quay.

CBC runs the weird election by thirds protocol for political office. Rather than elect the entire chamber en mass, a third of the councillors are left to do the doorstop thing each year.

Knock, knock, knocking around Wivenhoe of late have been Mark Cory (defending his current LibDem seat - um, good luck, fella…) Berthold Lausen (Green) Mo Metcalf-Fisher (Conservative) and Ashley Rudge (Labour.)

Down in the Quay ward and current sitting Councillor Steve Ford (Labour) is up against Sam McKay (LibDems) Sandra Moog (Green) and Mercedes Mussard (Conservative.)

There are some ACE names in there, and ones which will no doubt entertain me as I enter the polling booth, even before I start to think about where to put the cross.

Now then - who wants to explain to me what the chuffers AV is all about and whether I should really be arsed?

Like I said - I’m sitting on my hands, Comrades.