In writing the last entry, I noticed this report on the Electoral commission website. It looks like they’re proposing all-out, four yearly elections for all local elections.

I used to be very much against the four yearly elections. There is always the possibility of winning back control of a council if there are elections each year. It also means that a party can keep campaigning on local issues during the quiet years. However, having seen it close up in an area where Labour is in opposition but with a difference of one or two seats, it strikes me that four year elections are a good idea.

For one thing, it would bring more consistency to the council administration, whatever party were in control. It would also give space for the opposition to find it’s feet and to work with the council rather than be on an election footing all the time.

I think it should be welcomed. I can’t see the government wanting to do much with it before the regional assembly referendums, but you never know. It might be that they try to bring in the two things together should there be a “yes” vote.