Letter from Charles Linfield (From Swindon Advertiser)

Letter from Charles Linfield

9:29am Tuesday 9th February 2010 in

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YOUR article of February 5, 2010 raises some interesting questions, some of which I will try to answer.

North Swindon Labour Party selected so late because Michael Wills took so long to decide to stand down. Swindon Liberal Democrats selected late because they knew they had little chance of winning either seat and, while wishing to give their hard core supporters someone to vote for, were also anxious not to take up too much of their candidates’ time.

It is of course important that MPs fight hard for their constituencies at Westminster and support their elected local councils regardless of party politics; would that our present Members had done so more effectively. It is also desirable, however, that a national MP has a detailed knowledge of national and international affairs; Robert Buckland is particularly strong in this area, and has the capacity to become a distinguished MP for South Swindon.

Conversely, it is quite possible to be a capable and hardworking local councillor without having a great deal of wider knowledge. I have seen would-be Parliamentary candidates cruelly exposed by demanding questions at selection meetings. In practice, a local contender who can defeat a national field under these conditions is something of a rarity. Justin Tomlinson is such a man, however, and the voters of North Swindon should feel proud to support him at the next election.

CHARLES LINFIELD

Bakers Road

Wroughton