Video of the debate in Grantham

The highlights of the debate in Grantham can be found here:

Will the Tories answer questions?

There are a number of questions that have been placed on this site by voters in the Grantham and Stamford constituency aimed at candidates in the election. In fact, the site was designed to provide a public platform for questions and debate between candidates and the electorate.

You can see for yourself the answers but most notable by his absence is Nick Boles the Conservative Party candidate. Labour and the Lincolnshire Independents have responded. But given the majority the Tories polled at the last election it would be a reasonable expectation that they would engage with the online community. But as the correspondence below suggests, it isn’t that simple:

Nick Boles  made his intentions quite clear  on the 8th April when initially asked to participate in the project:

It looks like an excellent initiative. The best way for you to keep up to date with my campaign will be to look at my website, which will be updated most days from Monday onwards. I hope you will understand that I am keen to encourage people to contact me directly, if they have any questions, rather than communicate through intermediaries, however well-intentioned or worthwhile.

Best wishes

Nick

On the 11th April, I sent the following questions to all candidates:

What do the candidates think should be the rate for the highest band of income tax and why?

Given SKDC has upheld objections to virtually all wind farm applications within the district, what is the candidates position on this and the broader issue of renewable energy production within the constituency?

Thanks

Rob

Rob Shorrock

There were direct responses from Labour and Lincolnshire Independents, but Nick Boles did not respond. On 27th April, I followed this up with an email to the Grantham and Stamford Conservative Association and Nick himself:

I have asked Nic Boles the PPC for Grantham and Stamford a number of questions but he has failed to provide any answers.

Others have raised questions on http://citizen2010.wordpress.com but Nick has not participated. He said he wanted to deal with people directly rather than through a site. So be it, but I have emailed him directly with questions but no answers, to date.

Does he think this seat is a walk in the park?

Nicks response was:
Dear Rob

You have so far sent me one email containing two questions – see below. As I explained, I prefer to respond directly to questions from potential voters. If you are are interested in helping voters get the information they need to make up their minds how to vote, please can I suggest that you refer them to my website www.nickboles.com and my direct email address nick@nickboles.com

Contrary to your suggestion, I have been spending 8 hours a day knocking on doors in every part of this constituency since the election was called. I meet dozens of voters every day and am working hard to earn every vote.

Regards,

Nick Boles

and on the 28th April, I got back to him with:

Thanks for your reply.

I sent you a number of questions directly in my name and as a voter in
the Grantham and Stamford constituency would welcome an answer.

The website contains links to all the candidates sites and enables
voters to place a public question for public answer. As you would
prefer you answers not to be public I will make that clear on the site
and send you the other questions from potential voters.

Thanks

Rob

I have still had no reply.

Election Hustings in Stamford

There will be Hustings in Stamford on Wednesday 28th April 2010 @ 7.30pm in All Saints Church. 3 main party candidates. Written questions in advance. See advert in the Stamford Mercury for more details.

http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/

English Democrats Withdraw

Message sent to Gravity FM

Hello Helen,

I’m afraid that I do not believe that Darren Cheeseman will be standing for us in the General Election. Darren has decided to move away from the area, in part I think because he has been having a difficult time with his pub. I am sorry that no one has been in touch, but I hope you can appreciate that it has not been easy for me to contact Darren either.

We do have a candidate – Colin Mair in Louth & Horncastle. Please get in touch if that is within your catchment area.

Regards,

*Derek Hilling*

National Secretary and

East Midlands Area Chairman

*English **Democrats*

Liberal Democrats Release Manifesto

The Liberal Democrats have released their manifesto which can be found here

A review of the manifesto can be found here.

Message From HARRISH BISNAUTHSING Liberal Democrat Candidate for Grantham and Stamford

“I apologise that I cannot currently be here to meet and answer the questions and concerns of the people of our constituency. Due to the sudden recent loss of my father I have to return to my family home in Mauritius. It is my responsibility as the eldest son to take care of the funeral arrangements.

My family and I are of Hindu faith and we believe in the need to observe the passing of one’s elders with respect and reverence. We will follow a strict religious ceremony to set my father free to continue on his journey into the next life.”

Conservatives Launch Manifesto

The Conservatives have launched their manifesto. A copy can be found here.

Labour Publish Manifesto

Labour has published its manifesto which can be found here

There is an analysis of the manifesto by the BBC which can be found here

Gravity FM Interviews with the Candidates

Gravity FM will be interviewing candidates standing for Grantham and Stamford in the run up to elections.

This is the proposed timetable, which may be subject to change as the closing date for nominations is not until 20th April.

Labour, Mark Bartlett, Tuesday 22nd April approx 3 pm
Conservative, Nick Boles,  Tuesday 27th April approx 2 pm.
Lib Dems, Harrish Bisnauthsing, Thursday 29th April, approx 2 pm
English Democrats – TBA
BNP, Chris Robinson, Wednesday 21st April, approx 2 pm
Lincolnshire Independants/Lincolnshire First, Mark Horn, Wednesday 28th April, approx 3 pm
UKIP, Tony Wells, Friday 23rd April, approx 2 pm.

For more information:
http://www.gravity.granthampride.com

Candidates are out and about

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for the Grantham and Stamford constituency, Harrish Bisnauthsing, andother members of the Lib Dem branches of Grantham, Stamford and Bourne are campaigning in Stamford market from 9am on Friday April 23rd, and also at Grantham Market from 9am on Saturday April 10th.

Mark Bartlett and the Labour Party will be campaigning in  Grantham Market on 24^th April and 1^st May. Activists will also be running a stall.