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g jones · 01-03-2010, 19:18

Sorry 1st time I've seen the question.*

Yes I will be stepping down from Lancashire County Council.*

There have been 2 public meetings where the public have asked me to stay on for the smaller area of Peel (I live there).

There was approx 30 residents and they all wanted me to stand for MP. I explained If I stayed on I could not do what I have been doing in Peel. 2 or 3 said they would gladly do voluntary work to help me!!!!*

Because I live there they want me to stay on as a strong voice for district matters, Peel Ward.

To have that level of support is embarrassing to be honest.

I checked and there are a lot of examples of MPs being district councillors. I would personally prefer being a councillor as a second job that a six figure salary on some company because I am passionate about Hyndburn.

Clearly if I did I would take no allowances, wouldn't need them. MPs spend 22 weeks in their constituency so can be done.

So for Peel I am still open minded. Bare in mind it has been solid labour for years so there is not a conservative opportunity here. It is a question of whether people are prepared to accept a strong backbench voice?

I do think it makes an MP very accountable to the people of Hyndburn and joins grassroots with Westminster. Having watched The Tower Block of Commons MPs had no clue about real peoples lives, no idea what local Councillors face with little idea how to solve common problems.*

I think if a few served as a district councillor and MP, they would be a better MP.

If I didn't live in Peel then I wouldnt stay on there and if an outstanding candidate who lives there wants it then great.*

In the end its down to what voters want. Hope that helps.

01-03-2010, 19:18	#12
g jones Senior Member+ Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,125 Liked: 14 times Rep Power: 732	Re: Question for Graham Jones Sorry 1st time I've seen the question.* Yes I will be stepping down from Lancashire County Council.* There have been 2 public meetings where the public have asked me to stay on for the smaller area of Peel (I live there). There was approx 30 residents and they all wanted me to stand for MP. I explained If I stayed on I could not do what I have been doing in Peel. 2 or 3 said they would gladly do voluntary work to help me!!!!* Because I live there they want me to stay on as a strong voice for district matters, Peel Ward. To have that level of support is embarrassing to be honest. I checked and there are a lot of examples of MPs being district councillors. I would personally prefer being a councillor as a second job that a six figure salary on some company because I am passionate about Hyndburn. Clearly if I did I would take no allowances, wouldn't need them. MPs spend 22 weeks in their constituency so can be done. So for Peel I am still open minded. Bare in mind it has been solid labour for years so there is not a conservative opportunity here. It is a question of whether people are prepared to accept a strong backbench voice? I do think it makes an MP very accountable to the people of Hyndburn and joins grassroots with Westminster. Having watched The Tower Block of Commons MPs had no clue about real peoples lives, no idea what local Councillors face with little idea how to solve common problems.* I think if a few served as a district councillor and MP, they would be a better MP. If I didn't live in Peel then I wouldnt stay on there and if an outstanding candidate who lives there wants it then great.* In the end its down to what voters want. Hope that helps.