Last week, as previously mentioned, I attended the count of the Wellingborough by election. I was there as an observer for the Green Party. A mate of mine was the candidate.
It was a massive eye opener and at the end of the (very, very long) day it was also very reassuring. The whole thing was run to a strict set of rules that everyone adhered to with the notable exception of the the electoral agent for the Reform party who seemed to think the room was his own and everyone else should stay out of his way. Very odd. In the hall – no phones, filming or food and drink. This fellow spent all night on his phone. However, this is or they are a distraction. First up they counted the votes cast, then announced the turnout. Then they divided the votes into piles for each candidate. During this process observers from each party watched on along with some of the delegates, moving about the room, as boxes were emptied and different coloured trays filled. It was fairly relaxed although the phalanx of Britain First – Stop the Boats moved in a very predatory way, as a pack, each admiring each other’s neck tattoos as they swanned about. I think they were worried about being separated and therefore vulnerable to a reasoned argument. By 2am it was all over bar the shouting and there appeared to be far more Labour boxes than any other. But by 2.15am it was clear there was a problem. It transpired that one section was 10 votes short. Two hours of recounting and checking later we had a result! At the time it was frustrating but after a good night’s sleep it is clear that if the job is worth doing it must be done correctly. And so it was. How the hell we sold democracy to warring nations I’ll never know but it works.
This week some lovely new Scandicana from Anders Jornesten made it to my show and here as well. Not really that new but new to me – enjoy. It reminded me of Townes so I went there too. The radio show features a guest this week as well as some cracking track from the likes of Small Town Jones, Matt James, Band of Horses and many more. As ever…
