As the first easing of the national lockdown comes into force, door-to-door political campaigning is once again permitted ahead of this May’s local elections. However, the Conservative party say they won’t be door-knocking at all this year and won’t be leaflet dropping until at least 29th March.
The Island Conservatives say they have taken a decision not to resume door-to-door campaign activity whilst the Stay at Home restriction remains in place, until 29th March.
Leader of the local Conservative party, Councillor Dave Stewart, has said:
“As I outlined last week, we must all continue to play our part in controlling the spread of the virus. We must not jeopardise our chances of reaching greater freedoms by adjusting our behaviour too early.
“Furthermore, we recognise that many Islanders understandably remain anxious about the virus, and are keen to avoid making or receiving unnecessary contact. It is principally because of this that we (the Island Conservatives) have decided not to resume door-to-door campaigning at the present time. We consider that holding back from starting such activity will not only help minimise the spread of the virus, but will also serve to reassure older and vulnerable residents at a time of continued concern and cautiousness.
“However, government guidance is clear that people can leave home for recreation, as well as exercising outdoors. As such, I fully expect that Conservative councillors and candidates will be “out and about” in their wards – for both recreational and business purposes – and will be able to chat to residents safely, at a distance, in public places. But they will, for now, not be delivering leaflets to people’s properties or knocking on their doors. I will continue to meet residents through Zoom meetings, and I will encourage other councillors and candidates to do the same.
“We will keep this position under review, but as things stand our intention is that Conservative candidates and activists will start leafleting (in a Covid secure manner) on 29th March when “Stay at Home” is due to officially end.
It’s not unusual for candidates and their supporters to knock on your door in the run up to an election. But for 2021, the Conservatives say they won’t be knocking on doors to gain your vote.
Cllr Stewart adds:
“We are also proposing that – despite the national guidance – Conservative candidates or activists will not knock on doors at any time during the campaign, in order to avoid causing unnecessary anxiety to residents. All Conservative candidates will have contact details on their literature – and voters are welcome to get in touch with them directly, or chat in an public place outdoors (whilst maintaining social distancing).
It’s understood that other candidates from other parties will be taking a similar stance, but Cllr Stewart is encouraging all candidates to join the Conservatives in taking a cautious approach.
More junk mail for the bin !!!!!
It is NOT the leaflet that the public ‘need’ to bin.
Ah but it’s seriously not worth reading the b – – – s – – – they are going to send out , so they may as well save the trees and the refuse collectors back’s lifting the paper bin .
Likely wise, could save a few steaks being used for ‘medicinal purposes’
Think wisely THIS time before placing your X
Think wisely THIS time before placing my X.
thanks for that piece of advice, I normally just close my eyes and stick a pin in voting slip.
Your advice has been noted, where would us plebs be without Wise advice?
If i was a member of the conservative party i wouldn’t go canvassing under any circumstances after the way they have destroyed the island.
Ah, but that is to suppose that as a committed Conservative you would understand or care what damage you had done!
Would have liked to discuss there poor performance and why they raised the town council precepts by a huge percentage. Now will just screw ballot paper up. Liberal and greens would be even better at wasting our money.
With sooo much money wasted on the Floating Bridge disaster and 4.99% council tax rise, I don’t think they would dare go ‘door knocking’……only perhaps in Cowes, Seaview and Bembridge. Anywhere else and they should worry.
Perfect i will have something the light my fire with
Good excuse for not having to meet the public face to face and defend their miss management of our money lets hope they do not get another term.
I think it would be great if we all knocked on their doors and asked them what the hell they are playing at. Cowards the lot of them, can’t even take the hassle and truth they would get told if they knock on anyone’s door here on the Island. Blimey if Bob knocked on my door he’d get a nice sausage for his troubles.
i wonder how much WE have paid for this junk mail?
I thought Bin men only come round once a week