It’s relatively easy to find information on political parties for this election, but somewhat harder for independents. So I thought I’d do a round-up.
Normally, in a first-past-the-post election, I would vote tactically based on the two main candidates in a constituency. However, these elections take place via closed list PR where you place just one vote against either a party list or an independent. The 8 seats for London will be allocated in accordance with the percentage of votes gained by each list. So I’m happy to vote expressively, and encourage others to do so.
The closed list PR voting system puts power in the hands of political parties: you cannot vote for individual candidates from a party you can only vote for the whole list. On principle I’m therefore going to be voting for someone who is standing independent of any party list.
UPDATE 03 June 2009 16:04 – I’m endorsing Jan Jananayagam. Remember polls close 10pm tonight.
Mayor Boris has decided to review all the various transport projects in London. Whilst this happens it’s important to show levels of public support for important initiatives. So please take a few moments to sign the petition in support of the Cross River Tram. Especially if you are one of the many people who has to find a vacant arm pit to squeeze your head into on the Northern Line every morning, or breath in all the bus fumes in Bloomsbury!
Even better why not write to the Mayor and your local London Assembly representative? Get your responses in good time for the 9th of September when the London Assembly’s Transport Committee will be looking at CRT.
Here’s a summary of some the benefits of the CRT:
- Carrying over 90 million passengers per year.
- Giving passengers travelling to work on the Victoria, Northern & Piccadilly lines a more comfortable journey as it will help relieve passenger congestion.
- Reducing crowding at Euston, Camden Town and Elephant & Castle.
- Providing access to over 200,000 residents with better access to employment, health and leisure opportunities.
- Reduce car usage by over 2 million trips per year as people switch to this environmentally friendly option.
- An estimated reduction in CO2 emissions of over 19,000 tonnes.
- Enhance access by providing around 30 new fully accessible stops throughout central London.
There is a real risk that some local objections to details of the route in Camden may be used by those Conservative AMs opposed to trams to derail the whole scheme. So please lend CRT your support.