Let’s set an example and show respect

THERE is to be a General Election on Thursday 12 December. There will be many different opinions about what should happen, but one point is extremely important.

All discussion should be courteous, with the views of opponents listened to with respect.

Our country can do better than the insults now being used on social media and elsewhere.

Having seen much suffering in various places where I served, I hope that we can set an example of true and polite democracy.

Cllr David Skinner (Conservative) Westwood Ward

Delay has led to few plans for the future

PARLIAMENT has confirmed there will be a general election on 12th December. I have received numerous wishes of good luck and support over the past few weeks for my selection as the possible PPC in Coventry Sth.

However it was with a very heavy heart that I took the decision approx three weeks ago to pull out of the parliamentary selection process in Coventry.

This is one of the hardest decisions I have had to make and isn’t one I have taken lightly.

A few months ago I decided not to stand in the 2020 local election so didn’t apply to stand again in the Westwood local government seat allowing another candidate to be selected.

This was due to a new job and a very likely relocation at some point in March or April. I have wanted nothing more then to stand in Coventry Sth over the years, but given my personal circumstances at the moment I couldn’t give any campaign the 100% commitment it needs and with the pending relocation couldn’t with integrity stand in a seat I may not be living in come 2020.

We have a fantastic pool of parliamentary candidates who are in a position to fight the Labour Party in Coventry.

We have a real opportunity to replace Coventry Sth and Coventry NW with two superb new Conservative MPs so I hope whoever is selected we can get right behind them and elect a new Parliament that can get Brexit done and let the country move on.

None of us want an election. But without an election I’m worried this Parliament will waste the next year on more delay meaning we cannot focus on the things that matter.

This delay has meant thousands of families and businesses in Coventry haven’t been able to plan for the future - this election will stop this paralysis and stagnation to continuing.

My top priority remains, as it always has been, to get Brexit done.

We’ve got to let the country move on – and get Britain back on the road to a brighter future.

Cllr Tim Mayer Westwood Ward (Con)