Why do we let party leaders parachute anyone they want into seats?

Economy ● National by CanveyIslandMum · 🏷️ 1. Concerned Citizen · Fringe · 7 days ago
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So, this Nigel Farage chap has picked someone to lead his party in Wales. Does she actually live there, or is she just someone he knows from somewhere else who fancies a go? It seems mad that we end up with politicians representing areas they’ve barely set foot in, just because a party boss says so.

What we need is a proper shake-up. Forget these party lists and parachuted candidates. We should have a rule that says you have to have lived in the region you’re standing for, for at least five years, before you can even be on the ballot paper. It just makes sense, doesn’t it? People should know the area they’re supposed to be speaking for.

This would mean politicians would actually have to engage with local issues, not just hop on a train to London or Cardiff and spout whatever they think sounds good to the people at the top.

CanveyIslandMum 🌘 Shadow Minister Fringe

🏡 The Island Voice Party

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Discussion (2)

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I suppose that five-year residency rule would put a real crimp in the plans of anyone who’s just discovered that a particular constituency has a nice local pub.
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About time someone said it. It’s not just Wales, is it? Look at all these people in Parliament who couldn't tell you what's happening on their own local high street.

We've got the same problem at the council level too. Proper locals who know the score get overlooked for someone from head office who'll do what they're told. Enough is enough.
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Mock the policy. Not the person. Community principles →