More Tory spin on the NHS, but it will fool no-one

Local Conservatives claims on the NHS are risible. It is a Conservative Government that is forcing deep cuts into essential services. Of course, local Tory candidates are worried because residents can see that their cherished hospital is in crisis.

The maintenance of A&E in Southend-on-Sea is not down to Conservative campaigning - they have largely ignored and argued against those of us who have campaigned. It is down to people like me who have used whatever platforms we have to highlight the real issues with our National Health Service.

The Conservatives have little chance of success in Victoria ward. They last won Victoria in 2000, under the old boundaries. They have not won the ward in its current configuration.

In 2016 the Conservative candidate attracted 15.35 of the vote, as opposed to 54.7% for Labour. However, we should not allow complacency to creep in. Make sure you vote for Margaret Borton on May 3rd (or before if you have a postal vote).

The Conservatives in Victoria ward

In the last set of local elections in the Borough of Southend-on-Sea (2016) the nadir of support for the Conservatives was in Victoria ward where they received an unimpressive 15.3%.

(The Tories achieved 15.5% in Westborough and 16.0% in Thorpe, which does make one wonder why all the effort in Thorpe.)

Many Tory candidates over the years have toiled away in Victoria ward, with scant return for their efforts. Even in a bad year this ward has safely returned a Labour councillor, and I cannot see anything else happening this year. Whilst I am reluctant to predict who will win where on May 3^rd, a defeat here for Labour would be a disaster.

I have received nothing from anyone beyond Labour and the Conservatives, excepting a bizarre communication from Friends of the Earth. Here is the Conservative candidate’s leaflet, an uninspiring affair, but I guess this is no surprise. Even the most optimistic Tory must see Victoria ward as beyond their charms at present.

Mr Harland will do well to narrow the gap between the Tories and Labour, which currently stands at a smidgen under 40%.