I was asked today what I was doing, delivering leaflets in a rainy Marchwood, when elections are still over 6 months away. The gentleman was new to the area so did not know that the local Lib Dems are always out campaigning and keeping residents informed, election or no election.

I have a strong suspicion, not backed up by much evidence, that most voters in this area have already pretty much decided which way they are going to vote.. That is not say campaigning isn’t worthwhile but local presence, history and reputation are probably more influential than any last minute glossy letters and leaflets sent out using bit coin billionaire cash.

A Yougov poll for the UK General Election 2024 suggested that 43% of voters had made their mind up well beforehand. It’s interesting that there are quite a few people who vote differently in General Elections than in local elections.

Now that we have more political parties in the races with a reasonable chance of winning, it gets more interesting and will likely be even more challenging to the traditional two party system if government delivers on changes to the voting system.