Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
On 18th May 2016 we learned that Councillor John Smith of Bucklow St Martin's Ward, Trafford had left the Labour party and joined the Conservatives following the start of disciplinary proceedings by the Labour party. As a result we, the people of Partington, Carrington and Sale West are calling for a Bi-Election.
The Manchester Evening News reported that after facing disciplinary action by his own party due to 'poor performance', C'llr Smith left the Labour party rather than face the consequences of his actions. Councillor Smith was re-elected in 2015 as a Labour candidate and won comfortably. However, the party have questioned his performance/behaviour following the recent local elections which another Labour candidate also won. C'llr Smith reacted by leaving the party and joining the opposition; the Trafford Conservative party.
In electing a member of the local council, there is an understanding that a party candidate represents a particular set of values and principles. It is on these principles alone that many people choose to vote, rather than the individual themselves. Given that Councillor Smith has now abandoned the set of principles that so many people voted him in on in favour of a Conservative ethos, we the people of Bucklow St Martins demand a Bi-Election.
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Updates
May 19, 2016
The feedback from residents reflects a deep sense of frustration regarding the recent shift in party affiliation. I am currently documenting these concerns to present them formally to the local council. Maintaining focus on the principles of our original mandate remains the primary objective during this process.
May 19, 2016
The response to this petition has demonstrated a clear demand for accountability from our local representatives. This momentum confirms that our community expects clarity regarding the principles behind their elected official. Our next step involves ensuring that these concerns reach the attention of the local council leadership.
23 Comments
I usually vote Tory but this is ridiculous. If Partington vote Labour, they should have a Labour Councillor. Not a flip flop shoddy member who jumped ship rather than face the concequences
The people of Bucklow St Martin's did not elect a Tory; they don't want a Tory, and shouldn't have one forced on them just because he's jumped party.
It is only fair that a bi election is called, if someone gets into power by pretending to be representing one political party then joins another. This is fraud and leaves the voters misrepresented.
The people of Sale West, Partington and Carrington voted for a Labour Councillor, as opposed to a Conservative. This is disrespectful to the residents. If he truly believed he is there for the residents, he should resign and a By-election must be held.
Partington needs a good, committed and elected councillor. He has neither the confidence of the Labour party nor the confidence of the electorate who voted for him because they mistakenly believed that he had the Labour whip. This is not democracy. It's a disgrace to all involved in the debacle!
If I wanted a Tory I'd have voted for one.
Changing sides is wrong
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Status: Closed — this petition is no longer accepting signatures.
Final supporters
On 18th May 2016 we learned that Councillor John Smith of Bucklow St Martin's Ward, Trafford had left the Labour party and joined the Conservatives following the start of disciplinary proceedings by the Labour party. As a result we, the people of Partington, Carrington and Sale West are calling for a Bi-Election.
The Manchester Evening News reported that after facing disciplinary action by his own party due to 'poor performance', C'llr Smith left the Labour party rather than face the consequences of his actions. Councillor Smith was re-elected in 2015 as a Labour candidate and won comfortably. However, the party have questioned his performance/behaviour following the recent local elections which another Labour candidate also won. C'llr Smith reacted by leaving the party and joining the opposition; the Trafford Conservative party.
In electing a member of the local council, there is an understanding that a party candidate represents a particular set of values and principles. It is on these principles alone that many people choose to vote, rather than the individual themselves. Given that Councillor Smith has now abandoned the set of principles that so many people voted him in on in favour of a Conservative ethos, we the people of Bucklow St Martins demand a Bi-Election.
Updates
May 19, 2016
The feedback from residents reflects a deep sense of frustration regarding the recent shift in party affiliation. I am currently documenting these concerns to present them formally to the local council. Maintaining focus on the principles of our original mandate remains the primary objective during this process.
May 19, 2016
The response to this petition has demonstrated a clear demand for accountability from our local representatives. This momentum confirms that our community expects clarity regarding the principles behind their elected official. Our next step involves ensuring that these concerns reach the attention of the local council leadership.
23 Comments
Many of us vote for the party not the person, if he's left the party he represented then surely his position is voided and we should re-elect
I usually vote Tory but this is ridiculous. If Partington vote Labour, they should have a Labour Councillor. Not a flip flop shoddy member who jumped ship rather than face the concequences
The people of Bucklow St Martin's did not elect a Tory; they don't want a Tory, and shouldn't have one forced on them just because he's jumped party.
It is only fair that a bi election is called, if someone gets into power by pretending to be representing one political party then joins another. This is fraud and leaves the voters misrepresented.
The people of Sale West, Partington and Carrington voted for a Labour Councillor, as opposed to a Conservative. This is disrespectful to the residents. If he truly believed he is there for the residents, he should resign and a By-election must be held.
Partington needs a good, committed and elected councillor. He has neither the confidence of the Labour party nor the confidence of the electorate who voted for him because they mistakenly believed that he had the Labour whip. This is not democracy. It's a disgrace to all involved in the debacle!
If I wanted a Tory I'd have voted for one.
Changing sides is wrong
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Many of us vote for the party not the person, if he's left the party he represented then surely his position is voided and we should re-elect