Wednesday 26 March 2008

Whiteleas Ward

Earlier this morning I posted on the fact that Robin Coombes would not be standing for election in the Whiteleas Ward. He was in fact stepping to one side to allow Terry Haram a clear run at the seat. To gain some background to the affair, I spoke to the South Tyneside Alliance and obtained the following statement:

“Robin has been out of the country for a couple of weeks and when he returned he independently decided to speak to the wards current incumbent, Terry Haram, about the forthcoming election in May 2008. Robin was of the opinion that if “two” independent candidates were on the ballot paper, Labour would take the seat by default and without a mandate. Robin offered to do the honourable thing and stand aside to let Terry have a clear run in the vote. We fully understand and support his decision. As we are not a political party, he will not be replaced by an alternative candidate.

Robin has indicated that he will work with Terry to achieve what is best for the ward, both before and after the election. We understand that Robin will stand for election in two years time. The Alliance therefore fully supports Terry in his desire to be re-elected in May. Our individual members and associates will no doubt offer him any help they can, as we would any other candidates, either Conservative or Liberal Democrat, whose reason for seeking election is to break the Labour Party’s control of the Borough. South Tyneside needs an effective, independent opposition not bound by party issues, and we would encourage those who feel the same to support any individuals who adopt similar approaches”.

Well done Robin, you have taken a dignified stance, and good luck Terry.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I also want it be known that Colin Campbell is not part of the Independent Alliance and has not been endorsed by us for Cleadon Park or anywhere else.I would also like to wish all Independents (Real or otherwise) the best of luck in the forthcoming elections.

Anonymous said...

Peter this comment should show the doubters that the independents are working together.

Thank you two down one to go.

K

Anonymous said...

Apparently I should stop posting comments on this site and concentrate on the Independent Alliance site - thanks for the tip Curly.
For the record Curly the site was conceived, designed and developed by me, I also fund it with no assistance from anyone.
So although anyone in the Alliance is welcome to utilise the site I decide when, where and how the site is maintained.
Anyhow thanks for your concerns Curly, it’s nice to know the site is being visited by so many people including you!

Anonymous said...

I am delighted that Robin and Terry have cleared up any mis-understanding there may have been in Whiteleas. Like the vast majority of people in South Tyneside I want change and that is only going to be achieved through working together so Robin should be congratulated for putting the people of Whiteleas first. I like everyone else in the Independent Alliance wish Terry the best of luck and if you need any help with your campaign Terry don’t hesitate to ask.
I would also like to place on record that Colin Campell (who is now putting himself forward as a prospective Independent) is not connected in any way with the Alliance and I nor any of my associates (to my knowledge) were aware of his intentions. I personally cannot support the principal of one Independent knowingly standing against another and delivering the seat to Labour on a silver platter. Come on Colin it’s time you settled your differences with George and put the peoples interest above any political ambitions you may have … remember there’s always another election!

Anonymous said...

According to a certain Mr Rigg having a PERSONAL opinion now means you belong to some sort of political party or junta. So much for the principles of free speech he keeps trying to ram down our throats, or at least that was his justification he used to allow a series of shameful almost anti Semitic posts by the a group of people who deny the holocaust ever took place.
Mind you I suppose the need to drive traffic to his site has probably blurred his vision somewhat and this might explain the sudden increase in the use of the word sex in his posts – search engines love it, perhaps you too should consider using it Peter.

Anonymous said...

Spot on Ahmed. Yes there`s always another Election, And there`s always other WARDS were an Independent isn`t standing, Isn`t there.

K