Warrington, where I live, is split into two parliamentary constituencies the boundary being, pretty much, the Mersey. They are represented by "the Helens" - Jones for the North and Southworth for the South. Apparently there's going to be some major work on redirecting the Mersey as we will be switching Helens at the next election. Both Helens are in fairly safe seats - I normally get no election publicity except from the very fringe parties.

So, today, for the first time ever, we got not a leaflet, but a real, live LabourDroid from our new Helen to be. Poor man wanted to know if we had any concerns. Wendy came to interrupt my hanging out of washing. Rubbing my hands with glee (a.k.a panicing about how best to approach the "concerns" I had) I made my way to the door. Unfortunately as I was unprepared I completely forgot to bitch about Brown's complete inability to lead (especially in contrast to Cameron's recent showing), his appalling fixes to his appalling mistakes (10p tax debacle), his crap reaction to the expenses row, the way Labour ignores the people and the experts (Iraq; drug policy), the demonisation and crimialisation of youth and Gay Marriage.

I did however manage to mention other stuff: the complete disregard labour has to civil liberties, ID Cards, the Stonewall OptOut of protection from Harassment in the Equality Bill (explained that there was a growing group within the queer community which does not feel represented by Stonewall), the lack of confidence I have that any party will seriously overhaul the political system, the Digital Britain report.

So, what do people make of this? Is Labour scared? Is Labour preparing for an early election? Are Labour actually listening?

And "do I normally vote Labour?" No - but then I don't normally vote for any political party. don't know if that was any consolation...

Alex
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