Now it’s time for more respect in politics

Thursday night’s election count was a dramatic and tense affair locally and nationally. As the votes were counted at the East of England Arena throughout the night, news of the Conservatives’ success nationally was becoming evident. It was closer in Peterborough with politicians of all political colours watching the process carefully. It has been a bruising campaign across the board. The Brexit debate and the arguments over delivering it have fuelled political fallout, schisms and storms on an almost unprecedented scale. At times the tone of that debate and the behaviour of many politicians has gone over the line. Many still believe that we need to reform the way elections and political debate is conducted. But on Thursday night there was a moment that impressed me.

The Peterborough candidates arrived and eventually were called over to speak to Returning Officer Gillian Beasley. At that point it became clear who had won. As the candidates left the quiet corner where the discussion had taken place Labour’s Lisa Forbes and Conservative Paul Bristow paused briefly. There was a handshake, a few words of congratulations given and a polite and genuine response followed. Lisa and Paul then also shook hands with other candidates and exchanged congratulations before being ushered to the stage for the public announcement of the vote. It was brief but it was a genuine and mutually respectful moment. It is the sort of exchange we will need to see more of as we move on from Brexit and tackle the big issues that will affect the country and Peterborough after that overarching issue is resolved. Nationally, name-calling, trolling on fake Twitter accounts and intimidation must give way to proper debate and respect for others’ views. Naive to expect that across the board I know, but respect in public life is crucial if we want to have informed debate and the country to move forward without the public cynicism that has understandably become pervasive.