Candidates for local elections 22 May 2014

I was recently shown a notice sent out by Tatton Conservative Association convening a selection meeting for the Conservative Candidate for the Alderley Ward of Cheshire East Council for the 2014 elections.

Guess who the candidates are….

One candidate only - Frank Keegan.  Talk about a stitch up, it’s great to see local democracy in action.

Nothing stops anyone else standing…why didn’t you get a Tory friend to stand?
Duncan Herald

Actually - I did not know the selection process had started - and neither did a number of Alderley Conservatives.  Not so surprising for me - i am not a member.  But not to tell the members seems a bit odd.

Marc,

Your logic is a bit tangled; first you say that there was a letter to all Conservatives living in Alderley Edge, not just Alderley Edge Branch Members inviting them to take part in the nomination process.
Had you been a member of any branch in Britain, then you would have been invited, just because you live in AE.

Next you say it seems a bit odd not to tell members. If members had a letter - which you saw - how can you say the members were not told?

Members - all members - were asked if they wanted to stand for election in 2015 (not 2014) and only one name went forward - mine. Then all the members were invited to a meeting to either vote in support for or against the nominee. That is the letter you heard about.

I am not clear as to how the Local Elections work for May 2014. I do understand that Frank Keegan has been elected as a Conservative candidate for many years.
Is it possible to stand as a candidate, against Frank Keegan and others in these elections as an Independent - or must the candidate represent a recognised political party and be ‘put forward’ by that Party?
It would seem that perhaps the right time has come for a person without any political bias to stand up just for Alderley Edge. Someone who is easy to understand; someone who is unambiguous, transparent and without any apparent hidden agendas.
Everyone I speak to seems to agree and I have yet to find anyone who actually supports what we have now.
Depressing…...

I am not clear as to how the Local Elections work for May 2014. I do understand that Frank Keegan has been elected as a Conservative candidate for many years.
Is it possible to stand as a candidate, against Frank Keegan and others in these elections as an Independent - or must the candidate represent a recognised political party and be ‘put forward’ by that Party?
It would seem that perhaps the right time has come for a person without any political bias to stand up just for Alderley Edge. Someone who is easy to understand; someone who is unambiguous, transparent and without any apparent hidden agendas.
Everyone I speak to seems to agree and I have yet to find anyone who actually supports what we have now.
Depressing…...

I’m sure anyone can stand but how is anyone to know the procedure when it’s all kept rather cozy within the conservatives. I had no idea there was a forthcoming local election. Go for it Mike if it’s not too late, you’ll get my vote!

Hi Mike & Derek…in the interests of democracy, I speak (well write!).
There are two elections…Councillor Keegan is currently a Councillor for both Cheshire East and for the Alderley Edge Parish Council…he has been so for some years (so he must be getting something right?).
If you wish to know about standing for the Parish Council, contact the Clerk to the Parish Council and if you wish to know about standing for Chehsire East, contact their ‘elections officer’ (or some such title).
Seemples?
Duncan

Thank you Duncan for letting me know that there are two ‘bodies’.

I have been truly amazed today at the level of support from people who feel that ‘it is time for a change’.

Interesting….

Mike

Marc Asquith was referring to the selection of the official Conservative Party candidate. The Notice of Election will not be published until March 2014, whereupon nominations will be open. The closing date for nominations will be about a month before the election. Until that time anyone can submit a nomination, provided they are qualified on the basis of being registered to vote in Cheshire East, or living, working or owning land or premises in Cheshire East.

Thank you Alan. That makes things clearer.