THIRTY per cent of people will vote independent in the November 15 Police and Crime Commissioner elections, according to a poll.
The PCC Omnibus Survey was conducted by Ipsos MORI for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.
Sarah Flannery (pictured), Independent candidate for Cheshire, said: “I’m obviously delighted with this latest poll finding. 
“This bears out what feedback we are getting on the doorstep. People do not want to see party politics, driven by national HQ directives, interfering with policing in Cheshire.”
The same poll finds just 15 per cent said they were certain to vote with 28 per cent “absolutely certain not to vote”.
“That is very bad news for democracy,” said Sarah.
“I know many people question the need for PCCs but this has been in the planning since the 2010 general election.
“The fact that 38 per cent of those polled still haven’t heard of the elections is down to the inefficient way the Con-Dem coalition government has organised them.”
Ms Flannery also criticised the decision to publish candidates’ election statements on line only, disenfranchising those with no internet access.
She said: “Please make sure your family, friends and neighbours call the 0800 107 0708 to order printed information about all the candidates in Cheshire.”
An earlier YouGov-Cambridge/RUSI poll revealed the depth of concern at the fact many, if not most, candidates are likely to be standing under the banner of, or with some financial support from, a political party
The poll stated: “61 per cent of those polled disapprove of candidates being supported by a political party, with disapproval rising to 74 per cent amongst those 60 and over.
“People should ask candidates to name those funding their campaign,” said Sarah. “We know the Labour candidate’s £5,000 election deposit was paid for by the national party. But who has funded the other candidates? Who is paying for glossy manifestos and mail shots?
“My £5,000 deposit was raised via donations from supporters who will have that money refunded once the deposit is returned. Other donations received so far are from individuals who have donated between £10 and £100 either directly or through a fundraiser and will be declared in line with electoral rules.”
Ms Flannery is a business owner and founder member of the Cheshire Independent Network, who has lived in Cheshire for 30 years.
30 per cent to vote independent?
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
5 Comments
Thise who declare an interest in an independent candidate, or a fringe / joke party like UKIP or the Official Monster raving Loony Party, are less likely to actually turn out. I wouldn’t count your chickens just yet Ms Flannery ( and your supporters shouldn’t count on you getting your deposit back)
“Ms Flannery is a business owner and founder member of the Cheshire Independent Network”……… why didn’t she pay her own deposit… mind you with a salary of up to £100,000 she won’t have to worry about the odd 5 grand if she does get it!!………..and doesn’t the “Cheshire Independent Network” sound like a group or a party perhaps!!!!??
She can count this chicken.
and mine, lets hope all the moners have the guts to vote
With their own agenda – individually , even if it does not have an official collective one.