Richard Spring MP
Member of Parliament for West Suffolk

It is curious that when Members of Parliament discuss reactions on the doorstep, wherever they come from in most of England, it is as if there is an invisible hand, as the comments are so similar.

Whilst canvassing for this Thursday’s local elections, it was once again confirmed that Labour voters have a much diminished incentive to vote. What struck me this time, however, is how many of my constituents who normally vote Labour, wanted to discuss the current political scene. It was clear that it arose out of a belief that the Government is discredited, with Tony Blair held in contempt, and with no enthusiasm for Gordon Brown.

Now throughout the ages politicians have been held in varying degrees of suspicion or even contempt. The Blair government has elevated these emotions to new heights because of all the spin and unfulfilled promises. Would we be different? Are the Tories going to be just the same? They really wanted reassurance. Such is the way politics has been degraded under Labour.

With a week to go until voters in Suffolk go to the polls for local district elections, I have taken this opportunity to record a broadcast on Richard Spring MP TV to encourage everyone entitled to vote to exercise their right on 3^rd May 2007.

The video is now available to view on my website: www.richardspringmp.com

As a local Member of Parliament, I spend time raising issues such as the NHS, transport and fairer funding at Westminster, in debates and in personal meetings with Ministers.  However, before these local elections, I am keen to ensure that at, a local level, this democratic opportunity for people to make their voice heard is not missed.

I have often repeated that we currently have an urban-obsessed, very metropolitan Government which ruthlessly allocates money away from a rural county like Suffolk.

We are entitled to fair treatment and what is hugely important is that the interests of a rural area like Suffolk are represented by people who have the interests of that area at heart.

Therefore, I would like to encourage people in Suffolk to vote on 3rd May. Your vote is important and could be highly significant to the future governance of our county.