My second hustings speech

Performed in Epping, 30/6/24

I started writing a rather grand speech where I outlined in depressing detail the problems caused by our political class. There were jokes and digs at the big party leaders, but it was overall a gruelling affair.

It was a litany of errors and misdeeds, through neo-liberalism, mass immigration, the Iraq War, the Credit Crunch, austerity and the expenses scandal. The more recent tribulations over Brexit and the Draconian Covid measures featured. The word-count shot up as my spirits sank.   

I listed the crumbling roads, failed borders, disruptive protests, the soaring crime and an atomised society of people not caring for one another.

But it was too negative, and we know it all anyway. It strayed from the point. What I should be addressing is why me - why will an independent have the answers, or even begin to fix all this?

Well, the big parties have gone into group-think. There have not been enough free thinkers because the party system demands loyalty and toeing the line. Winning and holding power are the priority - mending problems and long-term strategies are not. The political class has decided what is acceptable and what isn't, no matter what ordinary people feel.

Having a wide-ranging and open debate would be a start, where common sense is not rejected for political expedience, where tribal squabbles are not the emphasis. Where the needs of constituents and British citizens is paramount. Independents, if there are more of us in council chambers or the Commons, can change that.

In Loughton, the success of the Residents Association, who control most of the council seats, shows there is a taste for independents in the area. I have always supported them. A group of people of different political persuasions can prevent a government and council from doing whatever it likes to their community, particularly where planning is concerned.

Here in Epping, you know about large developments being imposed on your town. It's just another way the political class are changing the country you live in, without your permission. A concrete conurbation, an economic project without a unified identity, with perpetual uncertainty. All the big parties are in it together - they just fight each other to be in charge. A group of people sit before you, playing nice, but deep down they have the interests of their parties and careers at heart. I do not. If I wanted a career I'd be with them. I have my home and my country at heart. I have the truth at heart. Lend me your vote if you're sick of this lot.