Election Night Report

I was fortunate enough last week to go to my first ever election count. It was something that I’d wanted to do for a long time and having been I’d say it was something that everyone should try and do if they get the chance. The opportunity to witness democracy in action was inspiring. It was fascinating to see the shifts of power that occur in these large, featureless rooms as each vote is dutifully processed with the highest standards of care.

Democracy in action. 

As you would expect I was there in a strictly non-partisan way, which meant that I could enjoy it more than all of those there with a vested interest and I could also take a wider view of the process. This took in the massive organisation and systems support that was required, but also the political goings-on amongst the councillors, candidates and the throngs of supporters. That it all went so smoothly was a testament to the hard work of the count organisers and in other more meaningful ways to the experience that we’ve had at implementing democracy in this country. 

As the night went on it was fun to see the hawk-like watchfulness of the politicos who were studying every vote that was counted. At points different tables would explode into excitement as the closest counts went to a recount. This was where the effort and strategy that had gone into a particularly well-fought campaign paid off and a seat would either change hands, or an incumbent would be relieved to see the votes just come out in their favour. The narrowest margin of the night was just 19 votes – tense and gripping stuff that gives the lie to those who say that they can’t be bothered to vote because what difference would it make...

The overall result was clear enough: Conservatives lost three seats to Labour - fewer than they might have feared and it left them with enough seats to keep them in power for the next two years as there are no local elections in Trafford next year. Against the national trend the tertiary parties made little impact. The Liberal Democrats kept the seat they were contesting, the Greens and UKIP both took a percentage of votes - most likely from Labour and Conservatives respectively.

The night was a good chance for me to catch up with many THT ex-Board members - by my own count 11 of the current Councillors have served on our Board - and as many again are essential to the smooth running of our community panels. It was good to pick up on their current issues - and to learn from most that they thought we were providing a great service. I was only passed three pieces of constituent business in more than four hours of discussion, which hopefully shows that we’re responding well to the problems that do come in and providing an ever-widening array of means for people to deal directly with us.

So now the votes are counted and the results declared, what might I hope for from the new-look Council? Here’s my top three wishes:

1. Translation of the core strategy and its ambitious housing growth plans into deliverable action in the key areas that the strategy identifies. All types of housing are needed and many providers will be involved, but hopefully there will be recognition of our new-found financial capacity to supply and our track record of delivery of new homes.

2. Recognition that we can do more. Whether it’s improving the lives of those in need of care and support, or providing work-based opportunities for prolific and persistent offenders to turn their lives around, we have the talent and ambition to help create thriving neighbourhoods.

3. An open-mindedness and a willingness to engage on innovative models of public service delivery. I’ve posted many times about this and it would be fantastic to think that the Council were one of the forward-thinking organisations who could see that the times they are a’changing, whether or not we acknowledge it.

In conclusion a fantastic night and an impressive feat of organisation. And for those Councillors whose responsibility it is to see that they represent Trafford in the best way possible the hard work, alongside partners like THT, can now begin. Good luck to them all.