Election 2010

Cameron on the stump- a picture I took in the Romsey & Southampton North constituency

Well we are in the last week of the 2010 general election campaign and I have to say, I have been surprised

• Surprised at the effect and interest of the three Leaders debates.


• Surprised at the national 'Cleggestacy' bounce- because I really don't seem to have personally detected it at all in Southampton, despite Clegg visiting the city and


• Surprised at Labour's low key, almost defeatist campaign locally that has been almost exclusively negative and reflects very badly on them.

So what gives? There is certainly a lot of good will for the Conservatives in Southampton at the moment- more than I can ever remember in nearly 20 years of being a resident in this city. Is it enough to win? Well in terms of the local elections, my feeling now is yes, almost certainly.

And in terms of the two parliamentary seats of Southampton Itchen and Southampton Test? I honestly think that there is everything to play for- it will be a sprint to the line in what I know a year ago Labour were arrogant enough to brand 2 safe Labour seats. The next 7 days will be fascinating.

No Prez-ence !!!

Hot news from the campaign trail from the ward I happen to represent; Shirley in no less an august journal than The Sun! To quote directly

"BOOMING Labour heavyweight John Prescott cuts a lonely figure on the campaign trail yesterday - talking to a near-deserted street watched only by a man in a mobility scooter. Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/election2010/2936431/Labours-John-Prescott-campaigns-in-Shirley-Southampton.html#ixzz0lXwFIhrL

Prezza, 71, was trying to fire up support in Shirley, Southampton, for local MP Alan Whitehead, who joined him standing on a stone bench. Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/election2010/2936431/Labours-John-Prescott-campaigns-in-Shirley-Southampton.html#ixzz0lXwNldI1

"

Very funny!

Tragedy in Shirley

Shirley Towers, picture taken today.

I was shocked and saddened when I heard yesterday morning of the death of brave firefighters James Shears and Alan Bannon while they had been tackling a fire in Shirley Towers. This council owned tower block is in the heart of the ward which I represent. The deaths of these two brave men is a terrible tragedy and while they may be the first serving firefighters who have perished on active service in Southampton since the war, the incident is a poignant reminder of how the emergency services daily put themselves in harms way to keep us safe. From a local councillor perspective, I would like to say how grateful residents have told me they are and I am personally for all the emergency services did. I offer my sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of James Shears & Alan Bannon.