Analysts tell me that to come into the Ward as a relatively unknown Independent and go straight into second place, beating two major political parties' candidates in the process, is something they could not have predicted.
I do feel a bit angry with myself, as I should really have put more effort into the end-game of the election, put up more signs on my market stall, and generally used it as a base for publicity and electioneering. This might have got me a few more votes. After all, quite a lot of Kingsley people shop at my stall, and the number of good wishes I got from them was very heartening. I could have done a bit more canvassing around the Kingsley streets too, but after a 12-hour day on the market you feel pretty much exhausted. Nonetheless, it was still a very good result.
I believe this result shows the angry feelings of the people of Northampton about the Liberal Democrats who had the arrogance to downsize and move the Market, despite 11,000 signatures to the contrary. Unless the Lib-Dems clean up their act and work to preserve and expand our market instead of destroying it, as they are doing at present, the people of Northampton will surely vote them out of office at the next borough council elections. Richard Church has had a narrow escape. Let us hope he learns from it.
Looking from Northampton to the world stage, I think that was a very welcome and healing speech that President Obama made last week in Cairo; a direct contrast to all the years of aggressive posturing of the last President George Bush. But America will have to guard its new President carefully; I see more danger to him from the American Right than from anyone abroad. President Obama has one hell of a long row to hoe both at home and abroad, and I wish him all the very best for the future.
Back in Britain, are we going to see a General Election soon? We shall probably see one by autumn, if not before. I haven't decided if I'll be standing yet. General Elections are always a great deal more expensive than local elections, especially if you stand as an Independent. Perhaps I'll save my efforts for the Northampton Borough Council elections in two years time.
I'll sign off by once again thanking all the people of Kingsley who voted for me and especially those who sent the nice letters and messages of support. The fight goes on!
