Sir, I hope I’m not breaking a secret by telling you that there are local council elections this Thursday. There has been no hustings, no leafleting at local stations, no campaigning and no posters. These elections are discussed on television and in the press, but nothing is happening on the ground. It seems they exist for politicians and commentators, with just a bit-part for the local electorate.

This silent election raises a number of concerns. First, how can the results of the election be worth anything when the electorate has had no information on which to base its vote? Secondly, how can anyone criticise non-voters when they are given nothing to engage with, and the contestants seem equally apathetic or smug about the election? Finally, with party political funding in the news, I wonder where the parties’ money goes when a local election is judged not worth the expenditure?

It may be that Bromley is overlooked by the democratic process and other areas are hotbeds of electoral activity. Lucky them — I just want an election leaflet and something to vote for or against. It’s a local election, and I was hoping to base my vote on something other than Charles Clarke’s travails or David Cameron’s bicycle.



NIGEL CORBETT
Bromley, Kent





Sir, Every day we read about the local election campaigns that are taking place. Not in Sheffield. Here “up North” I have received no communication from either Labour or the Conservatives. I have seen no posters and I have not seen anyone canvassing. The only reason I am aware that there is an election here is because I have received a postal ballot form.

One must assume there is no interest at all in local politics and we will have to decide based on national issues. One might question therefore why we need these local elections.



ALISTAIR NICOLL
Sheffield





Sir, The local elections on Thursday are not as “local” as one might suppose. The political make-up of the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA), and others around England, will be adjusted according to the results.

The composition of EERA is determined by a political template. Currently 11 of the seats are allocated to Labour councillors on this proportional basis. If the Conservatives win enough seats on the assembly they could enact one of Mr Cameron’s new policies immediately and vote to abolish themselves. Where will Mr Prescott’s regionalisation agenda stand then?



NIGEL CLARK
Hunsdon, Herts





Sir, As the chair of the London Borough of Newham’s standards committee I will be giving a presentation to our newly elected councillors. I will explain the code of conduct and the system of ethical governance with which they will be required to conform. I will also outline the procedures whereby all complaints are automatically sent to the Standards Board for England for investigation and censure if appropriate.

My life would be made much easier if I could convince these individuals that our parliamentary representatives actually follow and are guided by the same demanding ethical standards.



JONATHAN SWAN
London E15

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