Forum Topic

Tory propaganda on the forum?

Is it appropriate for political groups to use the forum to publish their election propaganda? Phil Taylor (would be East Acton Tory Councillor) seems to think so and has resurrected a couple of old threads as a bit of a smokescreen to do so.So should everyone join in?

Pete Grist ● 4511d35 Comments

I think it's okay so long as they identify themselves and don't pretend to be 'ordinary voters'.

Susan Kelly ● 4511d

At least with so called election propaganda on the forum one can always hit the delete button.It is more annoying to get propaganda leaflets in the letter box!Anyway what's the difference? The council is always going on about their "achievenents" on posters and in newsletters, so why not! As long as the poster identifies themselves as a member of a particular party.At least this method gives one sme idea about what they are offrring or promising if only they get our vote!

Jean F Fernandez ● 4511d

I agree with Susan and Jean, the forum is open to everyone. Provided they identify themselves and their claims are truthful, decent and of good report, let's hear what each party has to say - its a free world.

Gerry Tan ● 4511d

At least they nearly all live locally this time.

Bob Crossley ● 4511d

Dont forget the hustings meeting next Wednesday at Acton Town Hall, 7.30 pm. Come and hear what the parties have to say, and question them in person.

Chris Hurley ● 4511d

Hi Pete. Why not identify yourself? I think you aren't an ordinary voter.

Maire Lowe ● 4511d

The more debate an information the better, surely.So do come to Wednesday's hustings - you can hear Phil speak for himself

Sara Nathan ● 4511d

Pete,It was good to have the chance to meet you at the last South Acton ward forum.  I have posted on here 100s of times so I reckon that people know where I am coming from.  I think they know I am a Conservative councillor but I am happy that you are promoting my efforts to represent the residents of East Acton ward who are in sore need of more active and effective representation.  I have been highlighting our 6 pledges.  These are an important part of our offer.  You can call them propaganda but they are what they are.  I think that it would be fair to describe you as a Labour activist.  Certainly you seem to be very close personally to the current Labour South Acton councillors.  Haven't I seen you in group shots of Labour canvassers?  Perhaps you could clarify for everyone as your original post alludes to the issues of transparency and honest communication? 

Phil Taylor ● 4510d

According to the Ealing Labour Party website, Pete is secretary to South Acton Ward Labour Party.

Sara Nathan ● 4510d

Maybe any current Councillor could simply state that is their name when posting (as with Sam Hearn on W4 who posts as "Cllr. Sam Hearn")?

Joe Conneely ● 4510d

Seems jolly sensible - but wouldn't tell us if someone was a not-yet-elected candidate like Maire or even active in their local constituency party, like Pete.

Sara Nathan ● 4510d

On that we have to as ever rely on people's integrity and honesty though this thread seems to show people can get revealed pretty quickly + tone of some postings usually gives away such person's political leanings.

Joe Conneely ● 4510d

If any regular poster here is unaware that I am a Conservative candidate for Acton Central ward I'd be amazed, but you never know. Also like walking and run a walking group which welcomes people of any political persuasion. I often post about that. I try to see the best in everyone however they vote. The best thing about living in Acton is that we are not all the same. If we haven't met yet, come to the Hustings and say Hello!

Maire Lowe ● 4509d

MaireYou've got my vote, along with Vlod and Ross.  Guess that makes me a Tory.

Nikki Howard ● 4509d

You wouldn't HAVE to be a Tory...you might just think they are good eggs and vote accordingly. You might vote quite differently in a General Election - or indeed the European one. Who knows why any of us vote the way we do?

Sara Nathan ● 4509d

No Phil, please keep up the barrage of Tory propaganda. I'm sure that it puts off any neutrals from voting Tory (if there are any actually reading this forum) and keeps you from getting out more on the doorstep, meeting some ordinary Acton voters and finding out what they really care about (definitely NOT the Oaks).

Robert John Anderson ● 4505d

Any improvement on the current lot would I am sure be most welcome.

Jean F Fernandez ● 4505d

Especially in East Acton and Acton Central.At least Angie has given her time to talk to constituents, what has the pretender Huq done...cant be bothered to flog a dead horse...perhaps!btw, Angie has not given up on Hansons.

Nikki Howard ● 4505d

Hello Nikki Howard, I guess you are referring to me? I also speak to constituents daily from those at the school gates in the morning when I am dropping off onwards. In answer to your specific question I am on Twitter which has updates on my candidacy for Labour in 2015, as other prolific posters on here including Councillor Taylor have discovered. Hope you are keeping well.

Rupa Huq ● 4505d

Hi  RupaSorry not on Twitter and have no reason to be at school gates.If you are elected in 2015, what is your stance on the pollution issue on and around Horn Ln.?

Nikki Howard ● 4505d

How about the Labour Party propaganda on the front page of the Gazette???

Jean F Fernandez ● 4503d

It is a large paid for advertisement. Can't have been cheap. Even weirder, there is also a two page advertisement from residents of the Havelock estate in Southall, accusing the Labour administration of many things. That can't have been cheap either. What do you are think Pete? Should these advertisements have been allowed?

Maire Lowe ● 4502d

They are advertisements! How can they not be allowed? As long as they are within the election expenses limits, presumably it just means something else wasn't paid for.

Sara Nathan ● 4502d

Sara what can I have been thinking?

Maire Lowe ● 4502d

Sara what can I have been thinking?

Maire Lowe ● 4502d

I am loving this election.  The gloves are off and everyone is at it like Rottweilers.  With Sara keeping them in check.

Anne Brown ● 4501d

You don't have to be a Tory to work here, but it helps

Neil Bell ● 4498d

What is Phil going  to do now?

Sara Nathan ● 4497d

MP ?

Bob Crossley ● 4497d

Housework.

Colin Carroll ● 4497d

Maire what happened with your campaign?I never had you come knocking on my door to discuss how you could represent me. On the other hand I had a few eager candidates from Labour to engage me.The Tory sense of entitlement just won't cut it.Enjoy your country walks.

Colin Carroll ● 4497d

Maire came to my door twice actually and she was very nice, I am sure she would have worked hard as a Conservative Councillor. Shame about the outcome.

Jean F Fernandez ● 4497d

No one from any party came to my door. Do the candidates have target roads?

Bob Crossley ● 4497d

I am sure no-one has the opinion that they are entitled to be elected if they have any sense at all, at the end of the day it is entirely up to the electorate.

Jean F Fernandez ● 4497d

I guess they do try to cover as much of the area as possible, perhaps you were not at home?

Jean F Fernandez ● 4497d