Vote for Measured, Intelligent Government

Today, English voters have an opportunity to tell our politicians to get off their echo-bouncing bandwagon and deliver us measured, non-confrontational, thoughtful and efficient governance. Council and mayoral elections are being held across England and, although these will not impact the House of Commons, they can send a powerful message that most of us do not want British values to be guided by extreme socialism or extreme nationalism which is what the Labour and Conservative parties currently represent. We have a chance to say ‘enough’. In Westminster, politicians love the fight. Think-tanks and lobbyists profit from it. Journalists thrive on reporting conflict and the chat shows fill their air time. But, outside that bubble, the damage this style of governance is bringing to everyday life is now crossing lines toward the unacceptable, harming institutions and threatening the principles of democracy. Whatever political tribe we belong to, if we really want to reign in extremism and bring the ship back to an even keel, we can today put a cross next to Liberal Democrat council or mayoral candidates. The Liberal Democrat name is on ballot papers nationwide, and it flies the flag for a calmer, better style of politics than the rocky path of hostility and venom that we are treading now.