Forum Topic

Voting on 6th

For the first time in my life I am really confused as to which party I vote for on the 6th of this month ??? I have always voted but this is such a difficult decision.  I honestly have no idea.

Helen Bamberger ● 2034d48 Comments

me neither.

Janice Evans ● 2034d

"I am really confused as to which party I vote for on the 6th of this month"The election (for London Mayor and Assembly members) is on 6th MAY, not this month, so you've got plenty of time to work out who to vote for.

Richard Jennings ● 2034d

Yes you are obviously right - just got the wrong month !!! Still don't know what I do - never been so confused with everything going on - thanx

Helen Bamberger ● 2034d

Me too. I keep walking into things. When it comes to thinking about voting in May I instantly fall over.

Simon Temple ● 2034d

Just been out to do a voxpop.  Couldn't get much information out of voters as they were walking into windows.

Simon Temple ● 2034d

I agree. I always vote as I consider it a duty as well as a right and if I don't I shall just be put down as apathetic, which I'm not. Khan has achieved nothing in five years but Bailey does not inspire confidence. Khan will walk it, so I shall cast a protest vote, though not for Gammons, or Fox or the weird Yank. At this rate, I may end up voting for Lord Binface.

Susan Kelly ● 2033d

Me too! (Actually, maybe a dog lovers' party)

Simon Temple ● 2033d

It is good that people take time to consider their vote. There are people in the forum who think having a London Mayor is a costly waste of time and money and presumably want to replace it with some  sort of Quango with very little accountability. It is just important to vote or Londoners run the serious risk of having that vote removed.London has a distinct voice in the UK - London voted to remain after all. As Farage said, he didn’t expect Londoners to support UKIP as the demographic is younger and more highly educated. His words.

Stewart Jones ● 2033d

I'm incensed by Sadiq Khan's initial pushing of ULEZ to cover Greater London. He's gone all quite on it during the mayoral election as it's such a divisive and unpopular policy of, let's face it, a city hall vehicular tax drawn up on the back of emissions lessening. vehicular ULEZ tax won't lessen emissions as it hasn't already with the earlier congestion charge. There are more creative ways to attack emissions, albeit not so, if at all, as tax chargeable as ULEZ promises to rake in much needed revenue London's mayoralty requires since government, as we know, has been tardy in helping Labour Khan out with his and TFL's fiscal status. Look at what TFL has had to beg from government during the Covid year  of depleted public transport fair take-up. Emissions are a problem within general infrastructure (firms, factories, offices, schools, hospitals and domestic properties) so much and more all 'emitting emissions'. And, what about London's dizzying daily overflying aeroplanes which vapour trails seen and not seen though when seen conjoin on a bright clear blue sky's summer days into a fuzzy cloud cover blotting out happy carefreeing. I'm inclined to vote Tory Shaun Bailey like Red Wall Bre xiteers similarly did in their way and for the new Reform Party who would reverse Khan's iniquitous urban ULEZ tax scam that will predominantly hit 'little Londoners' and small businesses who can ill afford new or replacement compliant ULEZ cars. DITCH KHAN THE ULEZ VEHICLE TAX SCAMMER! - VOTE REFORM PARTY TO REVERSE ULEZ!

Bobbie Carnegie ● 2033d

Good sense - especially as we're supposed to be petrol-free as a nation.by 2030! Really???? Also open up Fishers Lane to cars and restore the parking on TGT.  If Fishers Lane remains closed to cars once Covid 'finishes' and we get back to normal, the traffic will be unbelievable.

Simon Temple ● 2033d

You get two votes - and if your first preference is knocked out, it gets allocated to your second preference. You might want to use your first preference to vote for some of these guys: Rejoin the EU party, to let them know you care, the Reclaim Party because "it's political correctness gone mad" is your personal catchphrase, UKIP to stick it to the Remoaners and wipe their "I told you so" smirk off their face, the Heritage Party if you think climate change is a hoax and really hate bicycles (could be popular here!), Let London Live because we haven't given the Corbyn clan enough of a chance to bugger things up, Real London, the Brian Rose self promotion vehicle, because, you're Brian Rose (can't think of any other reason!) Sian Berry of the Greens, because she's decent, wants London to be the new Brighton and is almost as pro-bike as Boris, Count Von Binface, because his manifesto* actually makes sense and you're someone whose answered Jedi for the last 3 censuses. When they get knocked out, your second preference can go to Sadiq or Shaun, although given that Shaun's own party has given up on him, I don't know why anyone else should bother. *Highlights of the Binface manifesto for me: Hammersmith Bridge to be repaired, and renamed Wayne. Speaker phones on public transport to be banned.  London to join the EU. The Trocadero to be turned back into a truly top-notch video arcade.

Ed Saper ● 2033d

Brighton is bloody awful.

Simon Temple ● 2033d

Excellent analysis, Ed.  You’ve definitely clarified things for me :-)

Alastair Banton ● 2033d

"You get two votes - and if your first preference is knocked out, it gets allocated to your second preference."Three votes actually: two for mayor as you've described, and one for a local (SW London) representative on the Greater London Assembly.

Ken Munn ● 2033d

There's always Piers Corbyn, of course -- the Corbyn who makes Jeremy look sensible. Anyone have the faintest idea what his policies are?

Susan Kelly ● 2033d

"Anyone have the faintest idea what his policies are?"To let Covid-19 run unchecked through the population so that only those with natural resistance survive, and thereby solve the world over-population crisis ?

Richard Greenhough ● 2033d

"Khan's iniquitous urban ULEZ tax scam that will predominantly hit 'little Londoners' and small businesses who can ill afford new or replacement compliant ULEZ cars. DITCH KHAN THE ULEZ VEHICLE TAX SCAMMER! - VOTE REFORM PARTY TO REVERSE ULEZ! "I want KHAN's proposed extended ULEZ Vehicle tax scam REMOVED!  Apart from deterring businesses, residents and visitors it is totally unfair in its treatment of disabled people who rely on their cars to maintain their last vestiges of independence, to get to GPs, dentists, opticians, specialists, restaurants, cafes, shops, hairdressers, friends and families within their local area.  They do not have the option of walking or cycling! Many disabled people can ill afford to change their car.  Most do a very low mileage within their local area.  How fair is it that a physically disabled driver with a medically adjusted/altered car (those minus a leg, or hand for example)would be exempt from the ULEZ.  However a disabled person very able drive a regular car, but needing  their walker or a crutch or someone who can't move without  oxygen and needing to carry reserve oxygen supplies in their car, is not exempt!  How much sense does that make?  I call that DISCRIMINATION - BIG TIME!

Jennifer selig ● 2033d

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zoneYou can check whether your car will fall foul of this on the Car Checker on the above website link.This Govt was taken to the High Court and lost several times because they failed and continued to fail to reduce the amount of air pollution in this country - presumably because any action might be unpopular.  They even lobbied the EU to change the figures so that our pollution figures would look less bad.There have been scrappage schemes for vans and lorries and it looks like there is still a possibility if you qualify for receiving a grant for the scrappage of a car.The Mayor of London announced the original ULEZ in 2015 - yes 2015 - the Mayor of London was Boris Johnson.https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/ultra-low-emission-zone

Philippa Bond ● 2033d

We know exactly who we will vote for for Mayor and the other positions up for grabs. We will not vote for the Labour candidate for London Assembly Member for S.W. constituency nor the London Member of the London Asssembly.

Vanessa Smith ● 2033d

One estimate has 10 million people dying from air pollution per year. Another has 9,400 early deaths in London. For many people, measures to reduce pollution and clean are a public health priority. When the campaigns ran to remove lead and mandate catalytic converters there was plenty of opposition and scepticism, but in hindsight many wish we'd taken action sooner. That's the problem with the precautionary principle — you often don't know just how bad the problem actually is at the time. Sometimes it might turn out not to be as bad as we fear — but that's a good thing, not a reason to do nothing. If* you are driving a car that doesn't conform to the minimum Euro 4 (petrol) / Euro 6 (Diesel) standards, then every time you drive it you are poisoning the air in your community and you're asked to pay a charge when drive it — ideally, to persuade you not to drive it. It isn't a scam, it isn't actually someone trying to make money off you and no-one's saying you should lose the independence a car gives you.
I expect we can all empathise as many will have personal experience of a friend or family member in a similar position. It seems you are more concerned that disabled people get an exemption that you don't qualify for - "DISCRIMINATION— BIG TIME!" — and you want the ULEZ removed in its entirety as a result. I've tried to write a couple of times how I feel about this position, but I'm going to admit that I'm lost for words and leave it at that. My preference would be that disability eligibilities were widened to include more people like you who need a car for mobility reasons, but rather then being given exemption from the ULEZ, you'd get cash to to get a non-polluting car.  

(*I put "if" because I don't know if you are driving a pre-2005 petrol / pre-2015 diesel and perhaps this anti-ULEZ rant is just a political broadside on behalf of the Reform Party.)

Ed Saper ● 2033d

I believe that Jennifer does have a Blue Badge and is quite possibly eligible for the TfL grant if there are still any left.I also don't feel that enough is done for the disabled and hasn't been for a very long time with the closing of accessible buildings and lack of accessible train and tube stations.  (Hurray at least two train stations in West London are newly updated to be step-free.) Not everybody who is eligible even for a Blue Badge takes it up but but when it covers the holder but also allows others to use it to drive the holder to places it can make life a lot easier.  (FIL was blind so couldn't drive.)  Unfortunately how you can use it varies in different parts of the country let alone different London boroughs. It isn't that easy to get one and needs perseverance if you are eligible and a big problem seems to have been that it has apparently been misused by some but there are newspapers which glory in any single misuser caught as if there were hundreds of thousands which is less likely.  We also all need to remember that disabilities are not always obvious to the eye. It really narks me that all the stops were pulled out for the Olympics but then the situation regressed. There are some hideous stories of wheelchair users having to crawl off trains because there was no ramp despite it being requested.In Slovenia there are electric cars in which volunteers drive the elderly to hospital.  It will always depend on whether there are enough younger people to volunteer.

Philippa Bond ● 2033d

Thankyou for all your thoughts - still mystified with what I do ! I have always voted but even though there have been great answers I will have to really think this one through - again thankyou ...

Helen Bamberger ● 2033d

Thanx Jennifer for quoting from my piece. Agree full heatedly, sorry heartedly with your take on iniquitous Khan. Was about to delete spelling error then realised it jelled, so let it be :-)

Bobbie Carnegie ● 2033d

I heard Shaun Bailey on the Nick Ferrari show on LBC a week or so ago being taken to task by the host. Fair play to him, he was man enough to brave the inevitable but Mr Coward Khan instead sticks to patsies like James O'Brian who is probably polishing the little mans shoes under the desk while he feeds him questions that a 5 year old could avoid. If you're so sure you've done a good job Mr mayor, then tell us under the gaze of someone who will take you to task when your lies are exposed.

peter king ● 2033d

Sadiq Khan's ULEZ for Greater London and the established inner London congestion charge are cash cows for City Hall and Khan's mobster operations where he speciously avows it's all in aid of tackling emissions. There’s an element of truth here but by no means the whole anti-driving pro-cycling truth about a horse ‘n cart city that should have honestly pinpointed where nuanced levels of London’s varied pollutions emanate from within a static unmonitored infrastructure. There has to be more creative ways to deal with London's varied pollutions where workaday and leisure driving should take its fair share. The kind of creativity required necessitates comprehensive restructuring and design of the metropolis effecting far more than just motorists baring entirely the pollution paying brunt. In any case it's clear Khan hasn't a smidgen of artistry to engage with 'tackling pollution artistically'. He's a political and mayoral scribbler. It's an easy sketch to pile the responsibility of London's pollution completely on London’s motorists.London could do it’s own mayoral electing Red Wall shocker and give Labour and Khan a kicking they weren’t expecting. But, unlike a cohesive Red Wall district of wide shared indignation to refusal of London and Labour to except Brexit a politically artistic London, possibly against jaded entrenched judgement of many leftist and centrist piggy-in-the-middle London voters, might consider being topsy-turvyists for a change and vote for Shaun Bailey as mayor and peripherally the new Reform Party for local authority and City Hall seats. As a former lifelong Labour member, Brexiteer and Green enthusiast (I still am) that’s what I will be doing. But, I fear London’s diverse and disinterested multitudinous villagers are not at all as cohesive as the famous Red Wall heroes.

Bobbie Carnegie ● 2033d

Gotcha 👍

Janice Evans ● 2033d

Don't you think they were taken for a ride?  The original ULEZ was during Boris Johnson's term as Mayor.  Pollution has decreased and the oldest most polluting vehicles have been taken off the road.Work is happening on other pollution but not enough on the building of new unsustainably built towers.  London does need more housing but there will be a lot of office buildings that could be used if anyone has the knowledge, expertise and sense to do it safely.

Philippa Bond ● 2033d

https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/london_health_burden_of_current_air_pollution_and_future_health_benefits_of_mayoral_air_quality_policies_january2020.pdf

Philippa Bond ● 2033d

Ed,  my remarks are about the discrimination between the various types of disabled people and their permission to drive within the extended ULEZ, their local neighbourhood.Either EVERY disabled driver with an older car is exempt or NONE are.  What should someone without a medically altered car do - cut off an arm and when recovered, if, apply for a free one?      In one fell swoop, the disabled, many on fixed incomes are to be deprived of their lifeline of freedom and independence.  Many do not have the cash to buy a replacement vehicle, believe it or not that means many who do not claim council benefits (usually a requirement to get any extra monies)!-You fortunate healthy lot, try being totally reliant on someone else to cart your body about to do the simplest of tasks!  It is demeaning and frankly quite AWFUL!

Jennifer selig ● 2033d

I am on the  UKIP ballot for London Assembly.What do we need to do to get you to vote for me?And what would you like our mayoral candidate to do to secure your vote ?

Julie Carter ● 2026d

There is nothing you can do to get me to vote for you, Julie.

Susan Kelly ● 2026d

Me neither

Julian Pavey ● 2026d

Ditto.

Keith Iddon ● 2026d

Me as well!

Vanessa Smith ● 2026d

Never gets old.....

Ed Saper ● 2026d

Voting for UKIP or any other diluting candidate will let Khan back in as London Mayor. Khan himself has stated this is a "two-horse race" between him and Shaun Bailey. Except, Khan failed to mention of the 'two horses' he is in fact to be recognised as an ass. London needs 'to Red Wall it' and, even if against better judgement for many for us all to tactically vote Shaun Bailey and propel ULEZ Khan out of London's City Hall.

Bobbie Carnegie ● 2026d

Agree Bobbie although Khan is still favourite I think.

Janice Evans ● 2026d

Nothing. I would never vote UKIP.

Carl Wynne ● 2026d

You should look at the history of ULEZ and why:https://cbwmagazine.com/tfl-and-boris-johnson-launch-ulez-consultation/Do you really think - can you believe - that this Govt is going to go back on their intent?Which Govt lobbied the EU to reduce the air pollution figures considered high so that the UK's figures would look better?Which Govt was taken to the High Court and lost several times over the high and illegal air pollution levels in this country?Why do you think they did nothing about it?  Mightn't it just be a question of popularity and votes and a desire to stay in power?https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/britain-government-eu-court-air-pollution-dangerous-levels-european-commission-latest-a8355711.html https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/jun/03/eu-dilutes-proposal-halve-air-pollution-deaths-uk-lobbyinghttps://www.clientearth.org/latest/latest-updates/news/uk-government-loses-third-air-pollution-case-as-judge-rules-air-pollution-plans-unlawful/Which Govt made it more difficult for disabled people with their austerity measures?  I think you need to be rather more cynical about politicians and their promises... 

Philippa Bond ● 2026d

If anyone needs clean air all the thousands of Londoners with dodgy lungs, hidden heart disease and allergies and most will not have medically adjusted cars, unless they are minus a limb or very short of stature.  I repeat my earlier comment:-"In one fell swoop, the disabled, many on fixed incomes are to be deprived of their lifeline of freedom and independence.  Many do not have the cash to buy a replacement vehicle, believe it or not that means many who do not claim council benefits (usually a requirement to get any extra monies).  The disabled usually elderly may only have a couple more years of safe driving anyhow.  They would choose to save the £7,000 - £12,000 cash a replacement car would cost, saving it for the day they have to pay for a live-in carer or a decent carehome - rather than relying on Charity or Council handouts!  They want their independence.ALL vehicles contribute to pollution be they petrol or electric.  The disabled with cars usually have a very low mileage driving within their very local neighbourhoods.  How would you like to have to call a mini cab to pop out for a needed bottle of milk;  sun's out so decide on a quick visit to local park, on way back home, stop to visit card shop and book of stamps.  No option of walking or cycling.  No car, so have to rely on an able bodied volunteer, if one is available!  Unless of course you have one leg and a medically adjusted car!  This is DISCRIMINATION - either all Bluebadge holders are entitled to drive their car within the ULEZ or NONE ARE!  You fortunate healthy lot, try being totally reliant on someone else to cart your body about to do the simplest of tasks!  It is demeaning and frankly quite AWFUL!"

Jennifer selig ● 2026d

Sadly there seems to be no one to speak up for the disabled Jennifer, notgood and don't know the answer, have you written to Boris.

Janice Evans ● 2026d

So if there were some concessions for Blue Badgers in 2019 re ULEZ for a few more years it is surprising that there aren't the same ones in 2021 with the extension.It is the Govt who have forced TfL to put fares up so don't hesitate to lobby Govt as well for some concession for the extended ULEZ as well as the congestion charge (which there appears to be).  I think that there is a TfL scrappage scheme.  There may also be ones run by individual car companies.https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/search/node/ULEZ

Philippa Bond ● 2026d

What do we need to do to get you to vote for me?If you ride a cargo bike across London with Dr Gammons and Farage in it and repent for all the damage Brexit has caused that would do it for me.

Matthew Swain ● 2026d

Don’t think even a knife held to my back would do it for me.

Vivienne Cox ● 2026d

Could you spend less than the "£7,000 - £12,000" you mention?
For instance, a used Audi A2 is £1,000 to £2,000, or you can lease a new Nissan Micra for about £150 per month for a couple of years. The scrappage scheme would then pay you £2,000 for destroying your old car. I'm sure there are lots of petrolheads on here who'd have better suggestions!

Ed Saper ● 2025d

Totally agree, Vivienne.

Claire Moran ● 2025d

Ed  Thank you for your suggestions.  I've kept them on file to check out later.  Not a good time just now but once I feel stronger and have more time to do so will tackle it.  Thanks again.    -

Jennifer selig ● 2025d

Thank you for outing yourself as UKIP. I like your question as to what commitment or action that you or the UKIP mayoral candidate may apply to secure my vote. That is very decent canvassing. Here is my reply. If either of you are able to firmly and deeply embed a pike staff into Mr Farage’s primary orifice (in his case, the one from which he speaks most, at the rear) then you can be assured of my support.Before you note that dumb Nige is no longer part of your dismal party let me clarify that your dismal party has no point before or after said Nige. Ta

Alan Clark ● 2025d