When John (Rye News reporter John Minter – ed.) said recently that he didn’t know how much more politics readers could take, I knew what he meant. In the wake of everything that’s happened in recent years, we’re all pretty sick of it, and alas, we’re becoming pretty cynical too. Ironically, that’s one of the reasons I find myself writing this little prospectus for Rye News – because I’m tired of the way things are: I’m tired of tribalism, I’m tired of antagonism, and I’m tired of where ‘pendulum politics’ has led us nationally.
But, what’s that got to do with Rye and Winchelsea? Well, from my perspective, we have far more reason to cooperate than to contend. What I would like to see nationally, we can put into practice locally. As I’ve said many times on these pages, ‘rosette politics’ only serves parties, it doesn’t serve you and me. Similarly, Town and Parish versus District is an equally pointless turf war. That doesn’t mean Rye and Winchelsea shouldn’t fight their corners vociferously in Bexhill – quite the opposite.
However, I think that collaborative, communicative, consensus politics more effectively serves the community and makes long term strategy possible. This is what is represented by the Rother Alliance, a progressive coalition, that has already made an impact locally – the creation of Bexhill Town Council enables Rother to shift focus to rural areas; responsibilities are being devolved to town and parish councils; there’s greater transparency due to the broadcasting of committees; planning has been overhauled; a Climate Emergency has been declared, and despite colossal financial pressures, the Alliance has maintained sound finances.
In the same pragmatic spirit of the Rother Alliance, I will work with anyone who will put the people of Rye and Winchelsea first. That’s why I’m standing as a Lib Dem and defending Cllr. Norton’s seat. I’ll spare you any more of the political waffle of which we’re all so tired, and just offer this: if you would care to vote for me on May 4, I’ll listen, I’ll communicate, and I’ll do my utmost as a District Councillor to work with the Town and Parish Councils, residents, voluntary and business groups, to sort out the problems of which we are all painfully aware.
There’s an enormous amount for us to do, but our ancient towns are bursting with energy, experience, creativity, intellect and passion, and I know we can do great things if we cooperate. Keep an eye open for my leaflets, and email me if there’s any issue you’d like to raise. Equally, if you spot me out and about, feel free to stop me, as I always enjoy a chat.
I’d be very grateful for your vote on May 4, but remember, whomever you support, unless you vote by post, you’ll be turned away at the polling station without ID.
I think real change starts on our doorsteps, so please participate in local democracy, and let’s build better politics.
Guy Harris
Liberal Democrat district council candidate for Rye and Winchelsea.
Image Credits: Guy Harris .
Thanks, Guy. I feel you’re right in your co-operative and consensual approach to local problem solving and I wish you the best at the local election, which will also be a chance for voters to express their views on Westminster state of affairs. Communication is key, as you fully acknowledge. It’s important for all councillors to be accessible by email, phone and post but what residents most want is for councillors to act on their concerns. Many issues, such as affordable housing, are far more nuanced than people realise. The local plan’s aim to ‘keep Rye compact’ is already under threat and housing density is increasing as developers build on green, open spaces. While new housing on brownfields sites may be welcomed by some, flood risk can make this problematic. Rye’s historic character and unique topography very much limit development and I believe few people in Rye would welcome the town ringed by even more large housing estates.
Thanks, Keith, and apologies for not replying before – it’s been a busy few weeks! In response to your comment about accessibility, with which I heartily agree, here is my email, which anyone is welcome to use:
ryeguylibdem@gmail.com
What I’ve learned from talking to people in Rye and Winchelsea in the last few weeks is that despite our various political predispositions and affiliations, we all have pretty much the same concerns. It makes sense to solve those concerns collectively and collaboratively, which is one of the great virtues of the Rother Alliance, a cooperative cross-party coalition. I’d like to see that kind of politics continue as it’s in the best interest of local people.
As I have got to know Guy Harris over the last couple of years I have been more and more impressed by his intelligent grasp of local issues. He has the human qualities to make a first-rate councillor: modesty, integrity and a warm personality. I have no doubts that he can be trusted to energetically defend the best interests of Rye and Winchelsea residents. Although a convinced Liberal Democrat, Guy is not a tribal politician and will work happily with councillors of all parties in Rother. He has my enthusiastic endorsement. He will not disappoint you.
I would like to echo Cllr Howard Norton’s endorsement of Guy Harris. I have known Guy since long before the election and know him to be a highly dedicated, intelligent and energetic candidate. With deep local connections he will make an excellent Rye and Winchelsea councillor.
Just a quick post-scriptum. I’d like to express my deep gratitude to all 506 people who invested their trust in me, and I’m sorry I didn’t get the opportunity to represent our wonderful ancient towns. Apologies too to Howard for not managing to hold on to his seat!
The election process has been a really fascinating and uplifting experience. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and talk to so many people and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. To my fellow candidates who fought and lost, I hope you, like me, will be consoled by the knowledge that our participation in a vital part of our nation’s life helps to sustain our precious local Democracy. I hope like me you will also be proud to have won the confidence of so many of our neighbours – I can’t think of a greater honour than to see those little ‘Xs’ next to our names. To Genette, Jayne and Chris, thanks for doing your bit – and Genette, thanks for your service during the last four years.
To Cheryl and Si, my warmest congratulations to you both. I know you will both make superb Councillors and help champion the causes about which we in Rye and Winchelsea all care so much. Good luck to you both.
By and large it’s been a kind and civil campaign which does our community proud. None of it could have been accomplished without the polling station staff, tellers, volunteers, agents and all those gallant folk slogging through today’s count. Thanks must go to all of you. Thanks to my pals in the Lib Dems, and lastly, to Rye News, which has provided such a balanced and professional platform for us to air our manifestos and opinions.
Here’s to Democracy and here’s to our fabulous towns and their wonderful people…
Over and out.
Guy
Commiserations to Guy Harris who was the only candidate to knock on my front door, Guy if you had fought as an Independent, I think you would have been elected, but as a Lib dem no thanks,and looking at the make up of Rother now, most people have the same views as myself.
Well said Guy, and well fought.
I hope it’s not over and out – you have so much to offer Rye.
Thanks, Guy. You fought a principled campaign with honesty and sensible policy ideas and only fell just short. May I suggest you might wish to apply for the vacant seat on Rye Town Council? Also, with Ms Creaser’s election to RDC, another seat should be vacant, as she will presumably not wish to have a foot in both camps — given workload, possible conflicts of interest and so on. Filling the dual role might not be a good look. Nothing to prevent her attending RTC as an observer, of course.
I’ve done some number-crunching on the local elections. My figures are provisional and not definitive. The total number of votes cast appears to be 45,084. The Conservatives fielded 38 candidates, way more than any other party, receiving 37.4% of votes. But many wards did not offer the full range of party candidates, which affects the statistics. The General Election vote split may be very different. Labour (16 candidates) received 14.2% of votes overall in the local election, Lib Dems 15.6%, Independents 23.7%, Green 6.8% and UKIP 2.3%. Turnout was less than 40%, which also is a major consideration when predicting voter intention at general elections. What the local figures may indicate is that about 40% of ‘core’ Rother voters are right-of-centre or right leaning in some way, while 36.6% hold more left-of-centre or progressive views (if one includes Labour, Lib Dems and Greens in that category). The ‘unknown’ element is the very strong showing of independents, at 23.7%. How this all pans out in terms of the General Election is unclear, as tactical voting will come into play. Apart from the independents’ showing, the surprise package of the RDC elections was certainly the Greens. They fielded only five candidates and won three seats. At an average of 613 votes per candidate, their performance on this score was the best of any party. It is possibly an indication of people’s growing concerns about the major issues of climate change, the environment, water pollution and so on.
In terms of RDC’s councillor breakdown, it’s as follows: Conservatives 10, Independents 10, Labour 8, Lib Dem 7, Green 3.
David, Just for information it’s quite common for Town or Parish Councillors to serve at the same time on the District Council.
Thank you, David. I really appreciate that. Re RTC, alas, I think I’m just outside the boundary – I’ve asked!
Really interesting data too, thanks. Food for thought…
Thank you too, Si. Yes, enjoyed our convivial chats – hope they won’t be the last! All the best.
Thank you Guy and thank you especially for the civility and warmth that has marked our chats, whether bumping into you whilst canvassing on the doorsteps or during polling. I absolutely agree, the privilege of winning our neighbours and friends trust is a source of huge pride and one me and Cheryl are taking up with a keen sense of duty and responsibility.
Not sure how you can draw any worthwhile conclusions from theses elections since in many of the wards, including Rye and Winchelsea, the electorate gets two votes, allowing the chance to vote for two different parties. Or maybe not. Who knows? One thing is certain though, come the genersl election, you only get one vote.
It’s so refreshing to feel hopeful regarding a political candidate. By this I mean, hopeful that a person has the benefit of the local community at heart and isn’t primarily self serving, hopeful that the ‘small’ issues are taken seriously,(‘pothole potheads’ warriors ahoy!), hopeful that the broader issues will not be shyer away from.
As a lifelong labour supporter I think it’s time for a change away from pendulum politics.
Mr Harris has my vote.