An unusual election

No votes for the big three here...

Politics is one of those controversial subjects, along with religion, that I normally refuse to discuss, partly because I have little interest and partly because there are so many strong and opposing views that it invariably ends in an argument. I'm making a rare exception however, having just been through the General Election in a rather unusual constituency: my home town of Buckingham is the seat of John Bercow, the Speaker of the House of Commons. An established convention dictates that the three major parties don't stand against the Speaker, so the complete absence of Conservative, Labour and Lib Dem candidates means the people of Buckingham realistically have little influence on the national government and tend to focus more on local issues. This post is therefore written from a purely local and somewhat personal perspective; I am perhaps unusual in having no allegiance to any particular party but I consider each of the local candidates on their own merit as individuals and their ability to serve the community, regardless of their affiliation.

Yesterday's election saw just three candidates standing: Bercow, UKIP's David Fowler and Alan Francis of the Green Party, this being the first time the latter party have stood in this constituency. In contrast, we had a choice of no fewer than eleven candidates in 2010, with a variety of independents and minor parties who were completely absent this time, possibly having realised they stood very little chance against the might of Bercow. Also of note in 2010 was that UKIP leader Nigel Farage personally stood in Buckingham, but finished in third place behind not only Bercow but also the Buckinghamshire Campaign for Democracy. 

John Bercow may be a controversial figure as Speaker, but regardless of opinions of him in that role, he is very well liked and respected as a local MP. He has held this office since 1997, initially as a Conservative before renouncing his political affiliation on becoming Speaker, and his re-election yesterday will see him complete more than two decades of service to his constituents, a record that speaks for itself really. Even after taking on the high-profile role of Speaker that requires him to spend a large amount of time in London, he has not forgotten Buckingham and is still very visible and recognisable in the town; whenever a public event is held he seems to make the utmost effort to attend and I have even seen him at such relatively minor events as the town fire station's open day, so he is very much part of the community.

His care and respect for his constituents was reflected in this year's election campaign. I have never met the other two candidates in person and they simply delivered the same generic leaflets to every household with few if any canvassing visits. In contrast Bercow's leaflets were personally addressed by name to individual residents (a simple but effective touch) and he made the effort to canvass his constituents in person rather than relying on representatives as he may be expected to do with his busy schedule. On a personal level, he was very helpful to my grandparents during a dispute with their housing association and although that was many years ago now he still recognises them and remembers what he did for them, and will say hello whenever he sees them. Everyone locally who has met him seems in agreement that he is a genuinely charming and friendly man with a real deep-rooted interest in the welfare of his constituents.

John Bercow, a controversial Speaker but a popular local MP.

The results of yesterday's election came as no surprise really, Bercow's continuing popularity being reflected in almost 35,000 votes, virtually three times that of second-placed UKIP candidate Fowler and a near-65% share. As long as he remains Speaker and the major parties continue to adhere to convention, this situation seems likely to continue as Bercow has earned himself a formidable reputation locally over many years of loyal service and it would take someone very special to oust him; realistically, the only way Buckingham will get a different MP will probably be if and when Bercow gives up his seat. For now he has retained his seat once again and the people of Buckingham can look forward to another five years of stability under his established representation .