Now that Huhne has gone, and the seat has become vacant I thought I’d take a look at the candidates on offer in the Eastleigh By-Election…
Profiling of the Eastleigh By-Election Candidates
Conservative Party
[ Image from huffingtonpost.co.uk ]
Candidate: Maria Hutchings
Previous Experience with the Party:
- Local Campaigner – part of a social action project: ‘In It Together’ recognised in the National Excellence Awards
Previous Non-Political Experience:
- Extensive Business Experience, Specific focus on activism with regard to disabilities and special schools etc
Key Campaigning Messages:
- Combat over development, infrastructure concerns, fighting gravel pits in Hamble peninsula, closure of post offices and campaigning to improve parking arrangements
Chance of Success: 7/10
Betting Odds [Ladbrokes] 11/8
Labour Party
[ Image from dailyecho.co.uk ]
Candidate: John O’Farrell
Previous Experience with the Party:
- A long-term Labour supporter
- 2001 Election Maidenhead Candidate
Previous Non-Political Experience:
- Well known Satirist, Comedy Writer and Author
Key Campaigning Messages:
- ?
Chance of Success: 4/10
Betting Odds [Ladbrokes] 10/1
Liberal Democrats
[Image from http://www.libdemvoice.org ]
Candidate: Mike Thornton
Previous Experience with the Party:
- A Local Parish and Borough Councillor since 2007 – Eastleigh Borough Council
Key Campaigning Messages:
- Botley Bypass, Stop the Gravel Pits, Protect Greenfield from Development, Stop cuts to Children’s Centres
Chance of Success: 8/10
Betting Odds [Ladbrokes] 8/11
UKIP
[ Image from ukip.org ]
Candidate: Diane James
Previous Experience with the Party:
- Joined UKIP in 2010
- An Independent Borough Councillor – Waverley Borough Council
Chance of Success: 3/10
Betting Odds [Ladbrokes] 25/1
Peace Party
Candidate: Jim Duggan
Previous Experience with the Party:
- Long-term party member
Key Campaigning Messages:
- Charter identifies key areas of focus; Pacifism, Democracy, Health Care, Homes and Housing, Quality Food and Water, Environment, Social Justice, Education, Welfare and Jobs, Recreation
Chance of Success: 2/10
Betting Odds [Ladbrokes] N/A
National Health Action Party
Candidate: Dr Iain Maclennan
Previous Experience with the Party:
- None; was the Green Party candidate before they decided not to fight the by-election
Key Campaigning Messages:
- Work to stop the changes to the NHS that have been instigated in the Health and Social Care Act
Chance of Success: 2/10
Betting Odds [Ladbrokes] 66/1
Monster Raving Loony Party
Candidate: Howling Laud Hope
Previous Experience with the Party:
- Party Leader
Key Campaigning Messages:
- According to their website: ‘When asked what his policies would be Alan said “he had a few points to offer”’
Chance of Success: 0.5/10
Betting Odds [Ladbrokes] 1000/1
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
Candidate: Darren Proctor
Key Campaigning Messages:
- Anti-Austerity
Chance of Success: 1/10
Betting Odds [Ladbrokes] 250/1
English Democrats
Candidate: Michael Walters
Previous Experience with the Party:
- Chairman of Medway EDP and Secretary of the EDP South East Region
Key Campaigning Messages:
Chance of Success: 0.5/10
Betting Odds [Ladbrokes] N/A
