Current location:	sofa
Current mood:	contemplative
Entry tags:	politics

The official lists of candidates for the council elections are out. Here is the ward I am standing in. Shall we have a nosey at who they are? In alphabetic order, then:

John Ford, Tory

An ex-councillor who was ousted by m'colleague Stephen Gow from Skircoat ward in 2007. Lives in Greetland, so not local. Clearly the local Tories want him back in; H&L has blue councillors already, and with the council elections being the same day as the general election turnout will be up and thus Tory vote is likely to be up.

Sean O'Malley, Labour

I know nothing about this guy, aside from that he lives in Greetland along with his Labservative colleague Mr Ford, but I don't think I really need to. Labour are a long way behind us and the Tories in H&L, and they are barely campaigning at all.

Colin Raistrick, Independent

The sitting councillor, and leader of the Independent group on the council. Seems to be a bit of a marmite guy, from having spoken to several people about him - they either love him or hate him. Popular among local business people, and runs a local business. Will be hurt by increased turnout due to general election being on the same day, but may split the Tory vote given his voting record and attitudes.

Me, Lib Dem

First time candidate. Spent entire school career in the ward. Eager to represent, but too skint to campaign properly.

I could come anywhere from first to third, depending on a huge number of factors. If I come fourth, I shall know I have failed enormously. The factors I think might have an effect, aside from the actual policies any of the candidates espouse, are:

• how annoyed the electorate are with the sitting councillor
• how annoyed the electorate are with the Tory Cabinet which runs the council, and them trying to insert one of their old cronies into their ward
• how many of them are put off - or attracted - by me being the only girl on the list
• The Dad Factor - half of the ward will have been taught biology by my dear Papa. What effect will this have?

I don't know the answers to any of that. I want to win, and I hope to win, but being realistic, as a first time candidate in a ward with so many vested interests, I'll have a fight on my hands. It's going to be interesting.