The Hustings – Cronyism At Its Best
I knew I was not going to be treated the same as the other candidates when I announced my intention to stand for election 14 months ago. Standing as an Independent brings freedom of thought but also a rejection of inclusion. Life is hard, we all know this to be true. I am not complaining about my lot in life, only stating facts. We are often offered a choice with no obvious best option - sometimes all we can do is pick the least worst option.
This is what I had to do when I decided to stand for Mayor of Greater Manchester – be part of the established game, or play by my rules. I fully accepted that I would not be given the same amount of opportunities to engage the public or advertise my campaign. When you are engaging the establishment, they prefer you to be part of the establishment – it makes their lives easier.
Last week highlighted to me the contempt that many in positions of power hold independent candidates. A phrase that has been directed at me this year is: 'Not a proper candidate'. This may be true. I may also be an idiot as some have claimed. But none of this is relevant for the only people who matter are the voters. Candidates put forward their manifestos, the people vote, and the winner is announced. Vetoing candidates because they do not fit your criteria of a proper candidate is discriminatory, judgemental, and an insult to the voter.
Let us look at some of the hustings organised recently for the mayoral candidates. A hustings is a meeting at which candidates in an election address potential voters and usually answer questions. It is one of the few times you may ever be in the same room as one of our elected representatives.
During this election period for the Mayor of Greater Manchester, many organisations and special interest groups have organised their own hustings and invited candidates. It is up to them who they invite and what questions they ask. This is all perfectly legal and the way it has always been.
Legal does not always equate with fair. Democracy is not always promoted in a democracy. Individuals are complicated creatures and prone to corruption in the pursuit of their aim.
Many of these hustings have not invited me, some have wanted to treat me differently. An event organised by an older people's advocacy group invited me to participate. Sounds good. But there were caveats to the invitation. I would not be allowed to take part in the debate with the four real candidates but would be allowed to have a few minutes to speak to the audience if they stayed around after lunch. I decline the insult.
The Small Business Federation and the Jewish Representative Council both informed me that their policy is not to invite Independent Candidates. No real explanation of why. Just that it was their policy. A policy they created and could easily change if they so wished.
These rejections came as a bit of a shock when you appreciate that I am the only candidate who created a separate business manifesto as part of my campaign. My presence on the march against antisemitism was welcomed a few months ago when I stood in full support of British Jews against the violence and persecution they face today in our country.
The most important hustings did not invite me at all. The BBC and Manchester Evening News are probably the most important two hustings in this election because of the reach they have with the general public. Both are holding debates with questions from the public which will be recorded, reported on, and placed online. In the case of the BBC, it will be on TV. This is fantastic coverage for any candidate - but not for me.
The reason both organisations offered is that they do not invite Independents - only political parties with a track record. The fact I have stood before to be Mayor is not valid, even though three of the other candidates have never stood before.
In this country, we elect individuals to office, not political parties. It is the individual's name on the ballot paper. An elected politician can change parties whenever they wish, their election mandate stays with them for it does not belong to the party.
Why am I not invited? It is a conspiracy to keep me out of power? No. It is that they do not believe I am significant and my candidacy is worthless. They may be right. But again, let me state that this judgment is not for them to make. It is for the people to make.
These decisions have upset many voters online for the British are a decent people and do not like to see unfair play. Have I become a symbol of the gritty underdog fighting against the odds with justice on my side? We need to wait and see.
I do not regret my decision to stand as an Independent. It was the only decision I could make and be true to myself, my aims and my vision for the future. There is no point in attempting to improve the country if you just become part of the problem by trying to fit in and be accepted.
The odds are that I will not win this election. But my self-respect will remain intact and I will be ready to fight another day.
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