The Year Ahead

Wheel of Fortune (15th Century)

I am a little late in writing my ‘year ahead’ piece this year.  However, better late than never, and in fact I do think that as far as South Suffolk is concerned we are standing at something of a crossroads.

But more of that later….keep reading! 

Firstly, looking back to see how my predictions went for 2013, as usual the results are somewhat mixed.  I was right about Angela Merkel winning the election in Germany, but too pessimistic about the economic outlook.  Despite government cuts in the public sector, a relatively vibrant private sector has taken up the running and economic growth has picked up more than I expected.  The Conservatives support has as a result picked up a little in the opinion polls.  I would expect reasonable economic growth to persist, and very gradual improvement in Conservative polling nationally to continue.

As far as local government is concerned, my prediction that the Conservatives would continue to form the administration at the County Council following the elections in May proved to be correct, although the majority of only three was disappointing.  The very strong performance of UKIP was a surprise both to me and to them.  It is clear that some of the UKIP councillors were not expecting to find themselves in the job.  Their contribution to the work of the council to date has been very mixed.  While they managed to turn the Council meeting before Christmas into something of a pantomime, the UKIP member with whom I work most closely on committees has made a good contribution.  I cannot speak for any of his colleagues however.

In 2014 we have the European elections, and in common with many others, I expect to see UKIP do well.  Indeed they will probably top the poll.  My understanding from those in the know in Brussels is that their level of participation at the European Parliament is low, which is of some concern to those of us who dislike Europe, but wish the UK to continue to influence events while we remain part of it.  I hope to see both Vicky Ford and Geoffrey Van Orden, two of our Conservative MEP’s, returned so that they can continue their valuable hard work in this respect.

I believe that the vote on Scottish Independence will be quite close, but that ultimately the vote will go against the separatists.  Selfishly I will be sorry about this, but think that the result will be right for Scotland.

Here in South Suffolk integration work will continue at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, and the County Council will spend its time concentrating on measures to save the £156million from the budget which are the results of Government cuts.  

By far the most important local event in the coming year however is the possible selection of a new Conservative Candidate to fight the General Election in 2015.  I support the majority view of the Executive that it is time for a change. 

I am looking forward to supporting a candidate to become our MP, who regards Suffolk as his or her home; spends a good deal of time here in the constituency, working closely with District and County Councillors on the issues that matter to all residents; who does not have expensive and time consuming hobbies; who has a good attendance and voting record at the House of Commons; and who regards his or her parliamentary work as an end in itself, rather than a means to an end.