Profusion, verdure across the town

Cllrs Nevin and Ware-Lane

Stephen George has been selected to contest Milton ward for Labour in next May's local elections. He will be seeking to unseat the underperforming Tory that currently has the seat

In other selections Charles Willis has been re-selected in Westborough, Maggie Kelly has been chosen in Kursaal (and will be looking to oust turncoat Judith McMahon). Ian Pope will have another crack at St Luke's.

Meanwhile, recent doorstep conversation topics include litter, drugs, rats and homelessness. The Labour vote appears as strong as ever, whereas Conservative votes seem flaky. It is looking good for Labour in Southend.

Shock, horror! Labour Party tries to win elections plot

It clearly comes as a surprise to some, but the Labour Party is trying to win elections. Yes, we are trying to beat our opponents and have our candidates selected.

In Southend-on-Sea the Labour Group on the Council currently numbers nine. Some think Labour's plans to increase that number amounts to a plot.

So, by dastardly scheme we, the local Labour Party, have put a candidate up in Westborough who is going to attempt to win.

But hang on, didn't we also do that last year. Ah yes, another plot! Oh, and in previous years too - clearly an underhand attempt to give the electorate some choice!

We have candidates standing in every ward, as we always do. We are also encouraging voters to choose their Labour candidates in preference to whoever else is standing.

Some excitable persons may describe this as a plot, I rather think 'democracy' is more apt appellation.

Banging the drum? Banging his head more like

Probably the most unsavoury character in this year's local elections in Southend-on-Sea is Daryl Peagram. Mr Peagram is the Conservative candidate in Westborough ward. He has little regard for the truth and  his approach to political activism does his party no credit at all. I am frankly astounded that he remains the Conservative candidate, and whilst I could celebrate his ineptitude instead I mourn that his brand of gutter politics is given full endorsement by a party that should know better.

If ever a candidate deserves nil votes it is this man. His presence on the ballot paper demonstrates only how desperate the Tories have become in Southend.

Westborough Voice - Back Anne in May

Dr Vel's goes for the chocolate bunny vote

I would file this one under 'unusual', and I suppose that it a good thing. Quite whether it will encourage anyone to actually vote for the Deputy Mayor is doubtful. Westborough is unusual, unique as well, in being a contest between two members of the Joint Administration. My money is on Anne Jones, who has been a whirlwind of activity since being selected as the Labour candidate in her former home ward.

Is that a legal imprint? It does not look like one to me. Does Dr Velmurugan have an agent? That seems unlikely too.