Life in Remainville: Attack of the All-New Also Rans

With the resumption of campaigning another three postings from the Lib Dems have arrived, including personal letters addressed personally to me in person from both Tim Farron and John Leech. Nothing new of interest to report in any of them. I would though like to appeal to the party to stop sending me pictures of Nigel Farage laughing maniacally, they're making me feel ill.

Much more interesting is the first piece of literature from outside the Big Two. There are three other candidates standing this time, sadly not including the Mysterious Independent, who regular readers will know took a punt on becoming mayor instead. UKIP have also failed to show up, which on the one hand is a marvellous indicator of their continuing decline but on the other hand denies us the satisfaction of seeing them lose their deposit again. Laura Bannister is standing for the Greens (not to be confused with Lucy Bannister from 2015 - are they related?) while Sarah Heald is also new for the Tories. The first through the letter box is however not just a new candidate but an entirely new party: Sally Carr MBE of the Women's Equality Party.




Judging from her leaflet Sally Carr MBE appears to be a good egg and the Women's Equality Party are raising all sorts of important issues. But just as with National Health Action elsewhere I can't help but wonder why they've gone to the trouble of forming a new party to fight for them. Doesn't it just ensure that the progressive electorate will be split even further than it is already and give the Tories an even more straightforward path to victory? I suppose that would be a success for women's equality at the prime ministerial level.

To be fair there is absolutely no risk of the Tories winning Withington, so at worst Sally Carr MBE's decision to stand here is harmless, and it does mean the issues she is championing are more likely to be given time at hustings and the like.

Meanwhile no further communications from Labour, but the Jeff Smith windows signs continue to multiply on our street regardless. I'm convinced now that he will win at a canter.

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