Local voters’ eyes on bigger picture (From Bournemouth Echo)

Local voters’ eyes on bigger picture

5:50pm Friday 2nd May 2008 in

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VOTER apathy and national disillusionment with Gordon Brown helped the Tories claim two by-election victories, Daily Echo readers claim.

The Conservatives' success in Queens Park and Winton East, Bournemouth came on a fantastic night for David Cameron's party.

Across the country, the Conservatives look to have secured more than 40 per cent of the vote, although they did lose control of Purbeck District Council.

Readers commenting on the Echo's website said voters felt "disillusioned" and "disenchanted".

RM of Poole said: "I think it's very sad that more than three quarters of the electorate couldn't be bothered to turn out to vote in Winton East.

"People have fought and died to gain the right to vote both here in the UK and all over the world.

"Voter apathy encourages councils and governments to feel they can do what they want. How can we complain if we haven't voted?"

Rayc said: "I agree with your sentiments, but the fact that Gordon Brown and his party are in power, despite having more votes against than for in the last general election, has led to a disenchanted electorate.

"The average person feels with both local and national politics that they can no longer influence events."

Alan Gilbert, of Bearwood, said the results were an example of why party politics should be taken out of local government.

And Christopher, Wallisdown and Winton East, said: "Because of the way things are going nationally, those who did, or could have voted, yesterday voted with the Tories because of the way Labour are running the country.

"Yet we all know that local government is entirely different from national."