I've been spending quite a bit of time in London lately, and have been amazed how many people are actually talking about the election.
If only it was like that all through the country.
Most local elections have a turnout out of between 35% - 40%. Sometimes it's as low as 25%.
Here is Eastbourne it can be as much as 50%, and that's because they are always such hard fought contests.
It will be interesting to see what the turnout is in London, where the Boris v Ken campaign has really ignited the publics' imagination.
All the underground stations are plastered with posters encouraging people to remember to vote. Every cabbie has a view on it, and the talk on the Vauxhall bus (that I spend quite a bit of time on) is of what could happen if there's a change at city hall.
Personally I think Boris is close to winning. I don't think the polls that are putting him ahead by 6 - 10% are accurate – I think it's closer than that. But I really hope Boris does it. London desperately needs a change.
London deserves better than Ken Livingstone, who's had two terms to make a difference, and we've ended with a wasteful administration, cronyism and sleaze. And not to mention the new £25 congestion charge for gas guzzlers.
Boris has made some high profile commitments such as to replacing the bendy buses and bringing in a new generation of Route masters – but perhaps more importantly a determination to tackle violent crime, (for example using money seized from drug dealers in the fight against crime). Also, he's pledged to bring in a further 4,400 PCSO's and dump the £25 congestion charge that Ken is so pleased with.
I've loved Boris's humorous campaign (e.g. referring to Ken as Mayor 'Leaving Soon'). I also heard a great local story about Boris the other day…
About a year ago he was speaking at an event in Bexhill (which I attended). He was driven over to Polegate to get the train back to London, but missed it by a few minutes, so instead of waiting at the station he went into the local pub (I assume the Dinkum) for a pint, like you would!
In there, as proof of what a popular character he is, all the locals (firstly couldn't believe he was there), but then all got mobiles out to take pictures of them with Boris and got him to sign beer mats etc! How many other MPs can you imagine that happening with! What a class act!
There's no elections in Eastbourne this week (sadly), so local attention is focussing on Hastings, where my prediction is that the Conservatives will win overall control and Labour will have a poor showing.

AS predicted last week, the council didn't fly the flag of St George at the Town Hall on St Georges Day. They obviously felt guilty about it because they sent out a press release excusing themselves (flag pole string broken).

I have some sympathy, as it isn't easy to mend; the fire brigade are needed to access it, and of course they have other priorities. But the point is this string broke in January; nearly four months ago! Come on Council, get it sorted. The sooner the Union Flag is flying again permanently at the Town hall the better.

Have a great week everyone!

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