IT’S at times like these, I feel used. Take the other day: I nipped into our lounge and saw two cars pull up. Out of them spilt a group of smartly dressed, serious-looking folk, a bunch of leaflets in their hands, and that is when I knew: they were electioneering. And as they popped on their smiles, the thought hit me like a slap on the face: why do politicians only come knocking at our doors when they want our vote?

For today is Election Day. And, if you cup your hand against your ear, if you listen very carefully, you will hear the collective sigh of our community: for Thursday 22nd May in Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and UK-wide is election day, not only for local council positions, but also for European Members of Parliament - and candidates want your vote.

Now, look, let me make my position clear: I believe in voting. The right to vote was fought for and is our democratic entitlement. Yet, more and more recently, voting has become hard. Because, truth be told, we have, as a nation, lost our faith in our political representatives. The election expenses scandal continues, for example, with just last week Lord Hanningfield facing a year-long suspension from Parliament for "failing to act on his personal honour" over expenses claims. And then there’s the joke that is weekly Prime Minister’s Question Time, where, each Wednesday, MPs sit in the House of Commons and laugh and hurl jibes at each other, and we, the public, are supposed to think that this is progress. And don’t even get me started on the mislaid promises that are election manifestos.

Knowing who to vote for, see, is messy when they all seem the same. But do you know what would help? Politicians who engaged more with the community, who, instead of falling into line with party policy, did the right thing and genuinely listened to the needs of their constituents.

So how about they knock on my door when there’s no election, just to ask if there’s anything I would like improved in our area. Because you see, only come to talk to us when you want something from us, and we won’t help but feel used. So, this year, let it finally be the one of the politicians who’s genuinely interested in the people, not the party. Now there’s something worth our vote.

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here