Given the current hot-headed political debates and the likelihood of a General Election, it is not surprising that the question is being asked. So, for the record:
EDW is pro electing an independent in East Devon (Claire Wright) and almost anyone else in Neil Parish’s Tiverton and Honiton constituency – EVEN another Tory. Incumbent MPs who have been too long in their jobs and not working hard enough for their constituents, or who much prefer jobs outside their constituency or climbing greasy poles, become lazy towards those constituents and should be replaced. Time for change.
EDW is anti-Brexit but tries not to let this influence the blog too much – except for the changes that will need to happen in East Devon because of it, which are becoming quite scary, so the subject features more and is definitely worrying.
EDW has a predisposition to sticking up for underdogs so, in these modern times, that implies a left-leaning bias. But not ultra-left and Owl is more likely to feel empathy with a moderate Tory or Labour politician than an ultra left or right politician of any party.
EDW is impressed by the work Independents and Greens are doing at Devon County Council and in other parts of Devon, particularly in respect of health matters, climate change and the environment.
Sadly, Owl remembers too well the times that Liberal Democrats have let us down locally and nationally (the support for the Health and Social Care Act particularly rankles) and the views of that party’s leader still do not chime with Owl’s.
HOWEVER:
EDW heavily criticised the last EDDC EDDC Tory-led council and continues to criticise the current Independent council to the same level. Very disappointed to see “same old” policies and even “same old” behaviour.
Whatever the reader’s prediliction is, EDW urges EVERYONE IN ANY PARTY OR NONE to vote – it is OUR sovereignty.
There is no denying that all the major problems we face in East Devon – health, education, environment, etc – have taken place under a Tory government, with only a Tory government to blame – so EDW will not duck blaming them.
REST ASSURED THAT SHOULD THERE BE CHANGES IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN EAST DEVON, DEVON OR NATIONALLY, EDW WILL GIVE THE SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE OR PARTIES EXACTLY THE SAME SCRUTINY IT HAS GIVEN TO PAST AND PRESENT INCUMBENTS, WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR!
In my experience Owl is neither pro- nor anti-Tory (and I know Owl in real life and know the Owl’s predilections well).
Instead Owl is pro- or anti- specific behaviours which are, for example, anti-democratic, ignore the views or needs of local residents, are based on proven false assumptions or “false” facts, are plain nasty or are putting party before people, etc. etc.
It is only because the Conservative Party or Conservative politician behaviours fit these profiles more frequently than those of Independents or Lib Dems etc., that it APPEARS that the Owl is anti-Tory or pro-Independent. Hence the Owl’s comments about the current “Tory-like” Independent cabinet at EDDC.
As and when Tory party and politicians become genuinely human, caring about local residents and putting them at the forefront of their thinking – only then is Owl likely to give equal favour to Tory politicians.
The real question is how likely is this to happen? My personal view is that hell will freeze over first, but it is vaguely possible that the Tories might surprise me.
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