Forum Topic

Peter Thompson's return as Leader of the Conservative Group

Nice to see Peter back in local politics.He evidently had to say something nice about his predecessor McGregor.What he omitted to say was that when the Conservatives submitted their boundary changes back in 2019 they succeeded in turning Riverside and Chiswick Gunnersbury (former Turnham Green) into marginal wards while making Chiswick Homefields safe for the Conservatives. Bit of an own goal?

David McLoughlin ● 1574d21 Comments

Could it be that they made their proposals without regard to party political advantage?

Francis Rowe ● 1574d

As I understand the options available from the Boundary Commission review, it was either keep the previous Chiswick ward boundaries and lose a councillor (9 to 8) or move the boundaries westwards taking in parts of Brentford and retain 9 councillors across the 3 wards.Personally the option to keep things as they were and lose a councillor strikes me as a somewhat defeatist approach. With new ward boundaries, the local activists can try and influence voters by 'feet on the street' and knocking on doors.  If voters are swayed by the national government, there is not much local activists can do about that.

Michael Robinson ● 1574d

Francis, it strikes me as a risk/reward assessment.Lower risk is keep previous boundaries and definitely lose a councillor.Higher risk is extend boundaries.  Best case is keep existing 9 councillors.  Downside would be losing more seats than would have been the case keeping the previous boundaries.However they can influence things by 'feet on the street' so accepting the loss of a councillor rather than fighting to retain 9 strikes me as being the 'lazy' option.  Others may see it as being too risky!

Michael Robinson ● 1574d

On reflection one would have thought that transferring the upmarket Brentford area between Kew Bridge and Waterman's Park into a Chiswick Ward would have enhanced the Conservative Vote.Nonetheless the dignified Peter Thompson is welcome back.. and I well recall his campaign for CIVIC PRIDE.

Jim Lawes ● 1573d

Jim,I don't know the actual demographics of the new developments in Brentford however the Conservative's strongest support are from people who are 60+ and home owners.Younger renters are more likely to vote Labour.  While the new developments may have older people who have downsized, selling up to buy a smaller property and releasing some cash, I'd have thought there will be more younger renters who will be more likely to vote Labour (but less likely to vote at all than older people).It will all depend on how many of the properties have been purchased by people to live in or as an investment to be rented out.

Michael Robinson ● 1573d

Peter Thompson got 23 votes more than Labour's  Amy Croft in Riverside. Ranjit Gill got 23 more votes than Labour's  Emma Yates in Gunnersbury.  While the Conservatives only lost one seat they could quite easily have lost three.  This is what I meant by 'marginal'. In fact the only 'safe' Conservative seat in Riverside and Gunnersbury is that held by Joanna Biddolph.Bit of a gamble, I'd say. 

David McLoughlin ● 1573d

“ Younger renters are more likely to vote Labour. ”Nonsense!

Steve Taylor ● 1573d

“ the only 'safe' Conservative seat in Riverside and Gunnersbury is that held by Joanna Biddolph.”That’s because she is a brilliant and well respected Councillors who actually LISTENS to what constituents say and want and she goes to great lengths to put forward residents’ requests.

Steve Taylor ● 1573d

Well, it’s true that younger people tend to vote Labour. Presumably, the younger you are the more likely you are to rent. That’s no proof that Michael’s assertion is true but it in no way gives you the knowledge to dismiss that assertion as nonsense. However, if you have any evidence to support your view, let’s hear it. Thanks.

Stewart Jones ● 1573d

“ Younger renters are more likely to vote Labour. ” Rubbish Everyone i know who is young is likely not to vote or have no preference. Funny enough old john lydon said something last night that may ring true. Possibly? "Most likely to vote conservative" " Atleast you know what your getting" 😁

Julian Pavey ● 1573d

" Atleast you know what your getting"  Infact its so true im having another giggle

Julian Pavey ● 1573d

Ah yes, "everyone I know" used to reach a conclusion about millions of votes. Who needs all that data and analysis when Julian can just ask a few of his mates. The info below is from the FT. You should contact them Julian and ask them to employ you.  Anytime they need some analysis of voting patterns you can just some people you know what they think.

Michael Robinson ● 1573d

OhWell next time the GLA has a poll i will get my money out.Guaranteed winner

Julian Pavey ● 1573d

How dare you question the data julian Wait for it

Julian Pavey ● 1573d

Thanks Michael.  Useful data and so much more informative than emojis.

Stewart Jones ● 1573d

Julian Pavey ● 1573d

Atleast my emojis will be seen as bit more entertaining than your repetative posts.We could have a poll done on that oneDont forget the Obligately reply 😁

Julian Pavey ● 1573d

Don’t forget the obligatory spelling  mistake.

Stewart Jones ● 1572d

I always make spelling mistakes. What's New? Better luck with having a pop next time because it dont work with me

Julian Pavey ● 1572d

One more for good luck

Julian Pavey ● 1572d

I use emojis to help with the meaning of the written word. I asked someone the other day “How do you know that” could come across as aggressive so I added a lighthearted emoji. So easy to misinterpret written messages. They’re there for a reason 👍😉

Maggie Dodge ● 1572d