Election shake-up could favour big parties in Southend

12:30pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News

Southend's Civic Centre Southend's Civic Centre

PARTY politics could take hold in Southend if the council switches to electing all its councillors every four years.

Politicians fear the independent vote could evaporate if planned cost-cutting measures are brought to the fore in time for the next general election in 2015.

The changed system could see all 51 members of Southend Council elected at the same time as Westminster’s MPs - potentially polarising the town along party lines.

Martin Terry, spokesman for Southend’s Independent group, said: “I am supportive of the switch, but not of the idea of holding it at the same time as national elections.

“To me, national politics should not get involved at the town hall, and this risks that happening.

“I’ll be honest - it would hurt our vote, but I don’t oppose this in a selfish way, I genuinely believe that most people in Southend do not want national politics to get in the way.”

At the moment, council elections are held in three out of every four years, with 17 councillors being elected each time.

Bosses believe up to £200,000 a year could be saved by holding four-yearly elections which coincided with general or European elections.

If elections are held at the same time as continental or Parliamentary ones, the Government will pay half the cost.

Nigel Holdcroft, the Tory council leader, has been a long-time advocate of the idea, arguing it would both save money, avoid voter “fatigue” and allow ruling groups to see through their plans without the constant disruption of annual elections.

However, statistics show the increased turn out which comes with combined elections often favours the big three parties - Labour, the Tories and the Liberal Democrats.

The move could also lead to wholesale changes at the council following each election, resulting in big swings from one party to another.

Comments (5)

12:45pm Wed 6 Mar 13

r6keith says...

If the council should be block voted in once every four years so be it.
But no way should it be tied in with a national election . The council is about local issues and should remain a local election held at a different time to any other election . We have some good independant councillors who might well loose seats if the system was changed .
which might not bode well for the town .
If the council should be block voted in once every four years so be it. But no way should it be tied in with a national election . The council is about local issues and should remain a local election held at a different time to any other election . We have some good independant councillors who might well loose seats if the system was changed . which might not bode well for the town . r6keith

2:35pm Wed 6 Mar 13

Nebs says...

Local councillors should not be allowed to campaign under the banner of any political party.
This is a local election for local people.
Local councillors should not be allowed to campaign under the banner of any political party. This is a local election for local people. Nebs

5:03pm Thu 7 Mar 13

jolllyboy says...

Not at the same time as National elections that is stupid. Half way between would also result in protest votes against whoever is in nationally too.
Best keep as it is. If it aint broke dont fix it. Three years is fine. It could be four years but keep it away from other elections.
Not that I am against anything that gets rid of a Tory majority !
Not at the same time as National elections that is stupid. Half way between would also result in protest votes against whoever is in nationally too. Best keep as it is. If it aint broke dont fix it. Three years is fine. It could be four years but keep it away from other elections. Not that I am against anything that gets rid of a Tory majority ! jolllyboy

5:07pm Thu 7 Mar 13

jolllyboy says...

I believe they are scared of UKIP - bring it on !
I believe they are scared of UKIP - bring it on ! jolllyboy

11:18am Fri 8 Mar 13

CllrJamesCourtenay says...

Elections every four years saves £100,000's. Elections that co-inside with National or European elections save even more money, because they are already running and the additional cost of having another ballot box etc is less than running a separate election (e.g. you still only need the same number of staff at each polling station for one day).

With the budget cuts that are necessary and the opposition councillors criticising cutbacks that we make, without offering any other viable solutions (you can't just tax residents more and spend your savings on your regular monthly spend), I would have thought they would all support this. It is a way of making huge savings without there being ANY cut is front line services.

If, as an independent candidate, you can't explain to your residents that there are two elections and you would like them to cross different boxes on the ballot papers, are you really suitable to stand for election?!
Elections every four years saves £100,000's. Elections that co-inside with National or European elections save even more money, because they are already running and the additional cost of having another ballot box etc is less than running a separate election (e.g. you still only need the same number of staff at each polling station for one day). With the budget cuts that are necessary and the opposition councillors criticising cutbacks that we make, without offering any other viable solutions (you can't just tax residents more and spend your savings on your regular monthly spend), I would have thought they would all support this. It is a way of making huge savings without there being ANY cut is front line services. If, as an independent candidate, you can't explain to your residents that there are two elections and you would like them to cross different boxes on the ballot papers, are you really suitable to stand for election?! CllrJamesCourtenay

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