I've finally worked out how to add a polling facility to this Blog and you'll find it in the left hand column. It will only allow you to vote once, so don't even try to rig it! The question this week isSHOULD MARK OATEN STAND DOWN AS MP FOR WINCHESTER?
My own view is that he probably shouldn't, but possibly will. He was elected to serve a five year term and it's up to the electorate to judge him at a General Election. However, I suspect that he might well come to the conclusion that his position is untenable. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see what the readers of this Blog think. In the Comments section please let me have your ideas for a new poll starting next Saturday.
12 comments:
No, I don't believe that he should, and this hounding of him makes me a bit sick.
He needs to make peace with his family and then find out whether he still commands the respect of his constituents.
Hmmm, who would benefit the most from this? Could it possibly be that the Tories would love a bye-election in the South East? All this fake sanctimoniousness does you lot no credit, particularly given your party's record on sleaze. All this talk about resigning is purely political self-interest.
inamicus, i hope your comments are not directed at me as I said in the post that personally, I don't think he should stand down.
I don't think he should stand down, he was right to resign from his Home Affairs brief as the revelations made his position untenable. I would be far from shocked though if he were to resign.
MO did the decent thing; for the sake of the party he resigned the front bench. If his constituents asked him to step down, he would not hesitate.
Do we know the feelings from the Winchester LibDem HQ? That would make interesting reading.
Inamicus, by any chance do you hear voices in your head and believe that Elvis resides in Eastbourne?
Next week's question:
Should Iain Dale stand again for North Norfolk in 2009?
anonymous, you're behind the times. I said ages ago I wasn't going to stand again.
Iain all this hubris makes me sick. Sure, the Liberals are having a torrid time (only a fool would deny that) but it's nothing compared to the Tories. You are the only party with a convicted perjurer in the highest executive in the land, for God's sake!
And as for Cameron being liberal! What's his voting record on Clause 28? Very illiberal I think you'll find?
Anonymous, FYI the Conservative whip was removed from Archer and hasn't been given back. Cameron was about 18 years old when Clause 28 came in. And he did not vote for its retention, so what exactly is your point?! I make no pretence that the Tories are perfect. No Party is.
Iain, as you well know Section 28 (not Clause - few too many sherbets there) was finally repealed under IDS. When Cameron was in Parliment. He might well have looked 18...
In 2000 Cameron criticised Labour for being obsessed with "fringe" issues like Section 28. And so on. Whatever he is, he ain't Liberal.
As for Archer. Are you trying to convince me he's not a Tory? If the Tories had any sense of justice they would be frantically trying to get him out of the Lords. Or even better, out of the country.
I understand the Murdoch press have some decent stuff on Cameron should he ever refuse to toe the line...
Well that's very kind of you to say so, but I have made my decision. If I were 10 years younger I probably would!
Iain, you should never say never about North Norfolk. Please think about standing again, you ran a fantastic campaign and I'd be able to vote for you next time. I'm not a Tory but I am a Dale fan!
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