Local political branches are quite small, considering the very large budgets and vital services the councillors they select oversee.How many people attended the selection of our local councillors? Or the selection of the Labour councillors who run the council. The Jamaican bobsleigh team was a great, heart warming film, but not the basis of which you would want the spending of your council tax overseen. People say that no party completely represents their view etc. but is it not a bit narcissistic, to only be willing to join a party that completely reflects your views? I don't think voting is enough to be a responsible citizen or to ensure a healthy democracy. We need large numbers of people to attend selections and be willing to put them selves forward to stand, to ensure a good level of scrutiny, good quality candidates and to stop parties becoming cosy clubs.Of course writing this, I realise that a wide participation system selected Trump, which rather undermines the wisdom of crowds theory. I still think that greater participation would be beneficial. I recall Richard Eason was Chair of the scrutiny committee, which makes his suspension more troubling. Under the strong leader cabinet model Housnlow operates, the scrutiny committee is the only way any one can hold the Leader to account.
Kathleen Healy ● 1983d