Somerset and Frome by-election
Two candidates show opposing opinions on the most important election issue
Only Libdems and UKIP Candidates respond
Electors letdown by their Candidates
From Anthony Webber
Independent Political Commentator
There are 8 candidates in the Somerset and Frome by-election on 20th July.
(There are two other by-elections on the same day, Uxbridge and South Ruislip, and Selby and Ainsty, which have both been written about separately.
This by election was caused by the announcement by David Warburton, that he had resigned as the constituency’s MP. He had denied allegations of sexual misconduct but admitted to taking cocaine. He had been a key backer of the former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, who involved the UK in the Ukraine/Russia conflict with no mandate at all, (made worse by the fact he scuppered the peace deal due to be made a year ago last April by offering extensive British weaponry and financial aid for Ukraine to continue fighting).
Key Somerton and Frome by- election issues:
Rising costs of living and high energy prices, increased rent and mortgage costs.
Other issues included concerns about:
NHS hospital and GP waiting lists.
The general woke agenda.
Immigration out of control.
Environment and Net Zero
Freedom of speech and debate, openness, and transparency
Honesty integrity and trust in politics
So the top key issues are hugely influenced by the government’s policies on Russia and Ukraine, yet the old established parties want to avoid debate about this!
This has been helped by some of the media. The BBC invited the Conservative, Liberal Democratic, Labour and Green candidates to a debate but not the other four candidates.
This was hardly fair on the candidates nor to the electors who must decide who to vote for!
By-elections should be about electing the best MP, not just to register a protest vote, or change a management team!
They should also be about policies which the electors endorse.
Thus, the candidates were sent a questionnaire to obtain their views on such issues, or whether they only believed in selective free speech and transparency.
(In other words if they only wanted to debate election issues which suited them, rather than the public interest).
It is up to the reader to judge for themselves the responses of the candidates,( which are detailed after the questionnaire)
They were all treated equally, were given three reminders, so it was done scrupulously fairly.
QUESTIONNAIRE
For the attention of ..Name of candidate
I write to congratulate you on your candidature for the Somerton and Frome by election on 20th July 2023.
I am reporting on the by-election and would be grateful for your views on one subject area, that of the UK government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia.
I therefore ask you to answer the following questions:
1.)Bearing in mind that the majority of world countries do not sanction Russia and are neutral, should the UK now adopt a neutral stance and focus on peace making?
YES/NO. Any comments…………
2.)Do you believe it is acceptable for the UK government to spend billions of taxpayers’ money on weaponry for Ukraine?
YES/NO..….. Any comments…………
3.) Do you believe it is acceptable for the UK government to spend billions of taxpayers’ money on aid and other expenditures for Ukraine?
YES/NO.….. Any comments…………
4.) Are you aware of how much money the UK government has committed to Ukraine?
YES/NO. Any comments………….
5.) If you agree with spending taxpayers’ money on Ukraine, how much would you be prepared for the UK to pay per year?
I don’t agree with spending any money at all….
Or I agree with spending £………….pa
Any comments……….
6.) Do you believe that the government should have been honest with Parliament and the UK public about the consequences of their Ukraine and Russia policies?
YES/NO. Any comments……….
7.) Are you aware that any taxpayers’ money spent on Ukraine, means that money is not available for many expenditure requirements in the UK?
YES/NO. Any comments
8.) As the Ukraine and Russia policies of the government have been the main reason for:
Rises in Cost of living and Energy prices, Inflation, Interest rates, Rents, Mortgages, Utilities, Income Tax and Local Council Rates,
Reductions in Local and National Services and much more….
Is all this justified to support one very dubious side in the Ukraine conflict?
YES/NO. Any comments……………
9.) As the Prime Minister stated that financial and military support was available to Ukraine “ for as long as it takes,” how long do you think the UK can shoulder this burden before it becomes untenable? YES/NO. Any comments…..
10.) As there is no mandate for the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies, do you believe that if the government does not end such policies, that there should be a Referendum on the issue? YES/NO. Any comment
11.) Like Iraq, there is no plan for the objectives of the UK government’s intervention in Ukraine.
Do you believe the government should be open and transparent about its intentions?
YES/NO. Any comments……
12.) Do you believe that NATO has lost sight of its original principles and that the UK’s membership should be reviewed?
YES/NO. Any comment…..
13.) Do you believe that the UK government betrayed the Afghan people to the Taliban, not standing up for democracy, freedom, human rights and women’s rights and education? YES/NO. Any comment….
14.) We have over 240,000 Ukrainian refugees in the UK, the vast majority of whom arrived in the UK after Boris Johnson persuaded the Ukrainians to not sign a peace deal ith Russia, prolonging the conflict, costing approximately £2bn a year.
Do you accept that ending the conflict urgently is necessary to end the refugee crisis?
YES/NO. Any comments…..
15.) Do you accept that the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies have put back the genuine green agenda in the UK?
YES/NO. Any comments…..
16.) Do you believe that the government’s policies in Ukraine and Russia should primarily be in the best interests of UK citizens?
YES/NO. Any comments….
17.) Do you believe that the government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia best serve the interests of world peace and safety from nuclear catastrophe?
YES/NO. Any comments….
18.) Do you believe that a free media, free speech, and free debate should be allowed on the subject of the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies, and that restricting it is not acceptable in a country which purports to adhere to democratic values?
YES/NO. Any comments…..
19.) There are reliable reports that British service personnel are serving in Ukraine under the guise of mercenaries, and also acting as military strategy advisors.
Do you believe that all British service personnel should be withdrawn immediately as there is no democratic authorisation for this and risks the UK being fully involved in a war?
YES/NO. Any comments…..
20.) The Ukraine President has announced that elections will be delayed until 2024 and will only be held then if martial law is ended by then.
Other countries conduct elections during time of war and conflict, but not this Zelensky government, who have already shut down opposition political parties and media.
Do you believe that the UK government should insist on the resumption of democracy in Ukraine?
YES/NO. Any comments…..
Do you have any general comments to make on this issue?….
…….
I thank you for your attention to this and respectively ask for your response by Thursday 6th July 2023 at the latest.
The results will be published and given out as a media release.
With kind regards
Anthony Webber
Independent Political Commentator
RESPONSES ( in alphabetical order):
1.) Lorna Corke, Christian People’s Alliance
No response although her colleague standing in another by-election gave a full one.
2.) Martin Dimery, Green party
No response, although his colleague in another by-election did give one.
3.)Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democratic party
Late response as follows:
Dear Anthony Webber,
Thank you very much for your email and questionnaire.
Unfortunately due to the sheer volume of questionnaires and surveys Sarah’s inbox receives, she is unable to respond to many of them.
However, Sarah and the Liberal Democrats position on Ukrainian war is described below:
Liberal Democrats stand with the people of Ukraine. The successes of the Ukrainian army should embolden the UK and our allies to provide more support to our Ukrainian friends.
We continue to stand full square behind President Zelensky and the whole of Ukraine.
The way in which the British public has stood firm and unwavering in support of Ukraine is inspirational.
Just as when Russia first invaded Ukraine, we must stand with the people of Ukraine and continue to provide support to them.
We must isolate Russia like the rogue state it is.
The UK Government cannot rest on its laurels while Putin’s cronies continue to get away with it. It’s time for an economic retaliation package – starting by closing down the lucrative loopholes that funnel Putin’s illegal wealth to his dwindling front line.
The UK Government is still yet to publish the review of golden visas – which was commissioned over four years ago. Putin’s cronies have treated this country as their playground for too long – it’s beyond time to kick them out.
Kind regards,
Nick
Diary Manager for Sarah Dyke
4.)Bruce Evans, Reform party
Acknowledgement but no response, although hiscolleague standing in another by-election did give one:
5.)Neil Guild, Labour party
No response
6.)Rosie Mitchell, Independent
No response
7.)Faye Purbrick, Conservative party
No response
8.)Peter Richardson, UKIP—
He fully responded as follows:
From: Peter Richardson <raf_pilot@btinternet.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 6, 2023 9:00 AM
To: anthonywebber@cwgsy.net
Subject: Questionnaire.
Good morning Anthony. I will try to fit it in today and get it back to you.
Regards
Peter
Sqn Ldr Richardson CFS(H) R’td
Sqn Ldr Peter Richardson CFS(H)
Response to Questionaire:
1.)Bearing in mind that the majority of world countries do not sanction Russia and are neutral, should the UK now adopt a neutral stance and focus on peace making?
YES. Any comments: It is time for a diplomatic solution to this issue to prevent escalation and to stabilise wholesale energy prices.
2.)Do you believe it is acceptable for the UK government to spend billions of taxpayers’ money on weaponry for Ukraine?
NO..….. Any comments: The UK has a massive black hole in its finances, it is time to start concentrating on the UK economy. The weapons and munitions provided to Ukraine will require replenishing and this will involve further expenditure from the GDP.
3.) Do you believe it is acceptable for the UK government to spend billions of taxpayers’ money on aid and other expenditures for Ukraine?
NO.….. Any comments: Not at this time, much has already been spent in support, but it is time to concentrate on internal UK issues.
4.) Are you aware of how much money the UK government has committed to Ukraine?
YES Any comments………….
5.) If you agree with spending taxpayers’ money on Ukraine, how much would you be prepared for the UK to pay per year?
I don’t agree with spending any money at all….
Any comments: any further spending.
6.) Do you believe that the government should have been honest with Parliament and the UK public about the consequences of their Ukraine and Russia policies?
YES. Any comments……….
7.) Are you aware that any taxpayers’ money spent on Ukraine, means that money is not available for many expenditure requirements in the UK?
YES. Any comments
8.) As the Ukraine and Russia policies of the government have been the main reason for:
Rises in Cost of living and Energy prices, Inflation, Interest rates, Rents, Mortgages, Utilities, Income Tax and Local Council Rates,
Reductions in Local and National Services and much more….
Is all this justified to support one very dubious side in the Ukraine conflict?
- Any comments……………
9.) As the Prime Minister stated that financial and military support was available to Ukraine “ for as long as it takes,” how long do you think the UK can shoulder this burden before it becomes untenable? YES/NO. Any comments…..
10.) As there is no mandate for the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies, do you believe that if the government does not end such policies, that there should be a Referendum on the issue? YES. Any comment
11.) Like Iraq, there is no plan for the objectives of the UK government’s intervention in Ukraine.
Do you believe the government should be open and transparent about its intentions?
YES. Any comments……
12.) Do you believe that NATO has lost sight of its original principles and that the UK’s membership should be reviewed?
- Any comment: A review is always a good idea to check the resolve of member nations. Better NATO than PESCO.
13.) Do you believe that the UK government betrayed the Afghan people to the Taliban, not standing up for democracy, freedom, human rights and women’s rights and education? YES. Any comment….
14.) We have over 240,000 Ukrainian refugees in the UK, the vast majority of whom arrived in the UK after Boris Johnson persuaded the Ukrainians to not sign a peace deal with Russia, prolonging the conflict, costing approximately £2bn a year.
Do you accept that ending the conflict urgently is necessary to end the refugee crisis?
YES. Any comments…..
15.) Do you accept that the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies have put back the genuine green agenda in the UK?
- Any comments: the green agenda with its “green taxes” needs to end, or at least be kicked down the road for one or two years. The end of the world doom sayer’s is a prediction, not accurate science. However, the plight of the pensioners, the poor and hard-working families is here now and with winter approaching the government should be focusing on easing their burden.
16.) Do you believe that the government’s policies in Ukraine and Russia should primarily be in the best interests of UK citizens?
YES. Any comments….
17.) Do you believe that the government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia best serve the interests of world peace and safety from nuclear catastrophe?
- Any comments….
18.) Do you believe that a free media, free speech, and free debate should be allowed on the subject of the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies, and that restricting it is not acceptable in a country which purports to adhere to democratic values?
YES. Any comments…..
19.) There are reliable reports that British service personnel are serving in Ukraine under the guise of mercenaries, and also acting as military strategy advisors. Do you believe that all British service personnel should be withdrawn immediately as there is no democratic authorisation for this and risks the UK being fully involved in a war?
YES. Any comments…..
20.) The Ukraine President has announced that elections will be delayed until 2024 and will only be held then if martial law is ended by then.
Other countries conduct elections during time of war and conflict, but not this Zelensky government, who have already shut down opposition political parties and media.
Do you believe that the UK government should insist on the resumption of democracy in Ukraine?
YES. Any comments…..
Do you have any general comments to make on this issue?…. No further comment.
The response to this questionnaire by the candidates is the worst of the three by-elections.
How can you be fit for office if you can be so disparaging and dismissive of “the most important election issue?”
(Quote from a candidate in one of the other by-elections)
In the other by-elections there have been a range of engaging opinions given, but not here.
The candidates concerned need to have a serious look in the mirror.
They seem to want to only want election issues which suit them!
They need to be asked just why they avoided this issue?
Only two candidates responded:
Full credit to the UKIP candidate, Peter Richardson, the party’s Defence spokesman, who gave full responses to all the questions
Also, thanks to Sarah Dyke, the Liberal Democratic candidate, who responded giving clear indications of where she stood, but did not answer thequestionnaire.
Electors have only one vote, so they need to pick just one of the 8 candidates.
This is because the electorate is still saddled with the first past the post system.
Clearly, the STV system( Single Transferable Vote) does not exist for Parliamentary elections, which is a huge shame because this system enables the preferred candidate of the majority of electors to become elected, rather than the candidate with the most number of initial votes ( even when that percentage is very low indeed).
I have my own view of the importance of completing election questionnaires:
I believe it is part of demonstrating that the individual candidate is a servant of the public rather than expecting the public to serve them with their votes, for nothing in return.
It is very easy for a candidate to say they have not the time to do these things, but is that the attitude they are going to display if elected to Parliament?
There is a saying, “ask a busy person to do something, and they can be relied upon to do it.”
This applies to elections and politicians, even though there can be exceptions to this.
To me, it is very concerning when people wanting to get elected, try and avoid answering questions.
It smacks of double standards when such people demand free debate on selective issues, but not on other very important issues.
The government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia are causing major harm to the cost of living of UK citizens .
This is the major election issue!
These policies cannot be ignored! It is wrong to pretend they are not there and do not cause damage!
It is dishonest and dishonourable to try to sidestep these issues.
This questionnaire is intended not just to obtain candidates’ opinions, but to open up well overdue debate on this issue. This is so vital if we are to have a free and democratic society.
The main parties and some others want candidates to go into denial. It is not good for democracy.
Therefore, great credit is due, not just to those who fully completed the questionnaires in the other by-electons, but those who made some comments, even if not always entirely constructive.
It is with dialogue that it is possible to resolve the a pressing political situation.
Another important point is if a candidate being prepared to engage with those they disagree with.
If such a person becomes elected at least there is an indication that they will engage with you, rather than ignore you as some constituency MP’s do.
The summary was:
Five candidates not acknowledging nor responding.
One candidate acknowledging but not responding.
One candidate responding with some feedback
One candidate giving full responses and completing the questionnaire.
Conclusions from the feedback from the questionnaire sent to all the candidates in all three by-elections:
1.) A neutral stance by the UK government being a preferred choice
2.) A concern about the amount of taxpayers money spent on weaponry for Ukraine
3.) A lower concern about other taxpayers aid to Ukraine
4.) A lack of awareness of how much money the UK government has committed to Ukraine
5.) A view that there should be limitations on how much taxpayers money is spent on Ukraine
6.) A view that the government should be more honest about the consequences of their policies on Ukraine and Russia
7.) A growing awareness that taxpayers money spent on Ukraine means that money is not available for UK spending
8.) A realisation that the range of economic issues, rises in taxes and reductions in services, are very influenced by the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies
9.) An understanding that financial and economic support for Ukraine “for as long as it takes,” is untenable.
10.) An acceptance that the government’s policies on Ukraine and Russia have no mandate and increased support for having a referendum on the issue.
11.) A need for the government to be open and transparent about the objectives of their Ukraine and Russia policies.
12.) A view that NATO and the UK’s membership should be reviewed.
13.) Agreement that the UK government betrayed the people of Afghanistan.
14.) Agreement that ending the conflict urgently is necessary to end the Ukrainian refugee crisis.
15.) Agreement that the policies had put back the green agenda.
16.) Agreement that government policies in Ukraine and Russia should primarily be in the interests of UK citizens.
17.) Agreement that government policies on Ukraine and Russia should serve the interests of world peace and avoiding nuclear catastrophe.
18.) Very much agreement on the need to have free speech and debate on the government’s Ukraine and Russia policies.
19.) Agreement that any British miliary serving in Ukraine should be withdrawn.
20.) Agreement that Ukraine should not postpone their elections.
21.) A number of candidates wanting these issues swept under the carpet
What has become apparent in my interactions with the candidates is the lack of knowledge of the policies of the government on Ukraine and Russia and their consequences on the United Kingdom. The preparedness of candidates to accept the government view and their “experts” views without questioning them, is worrying especially when it is acknowledged that the government engaged in a widespread disinformation campaign throughout the covid-19 “pandemic” period. Some candidates admitted that they supported the government policies based on the information which was supplied to them by the government as well as the compliant media.
This is why a free media and free debate is so important. Some candidates support elements of the government policies based on believing a pack of lies.
This adds another quality needed of a potential MP, the ability to ask questions without fear or favour.
It is time that this is all taken up by the local and national media.
Not doing so would be a disgrace and a blemish on their reputation.
If all of the media gave equal and fair treatment of the by-election candidates, there would be more public engagement and willingness to vote.
Election detail:
In the Appendix below is list of the Candidates and the results of the 2019 General Election, when David Warburton was re-elected to the seat. He was first elected there in the 2015 General Election. It will be interesting to see how the parties perform, and both UKIP and ReformUK will be aware that in the 2015 General Election, UKIP, achieved 10.7% of the vote.
Anthony Webber
Independent Political Commentator
Appendix
List of candidates:
| By-election 2023: Somerton and Frome[6] | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
| CPA | Lorna Corke | New | |||
| Green | Martin Dimery | ||||
| Liberal Democrats | Sarah Dyke | ||||
| Reform UK | Bruce Evans | New | |||
| Labour | Neil Guild | ||||
| Independent | Rosie Mitchell | New | |||
| Conservative | Faye Purbrick | ||||
| UKIP | Peter Richardson | New | |||
| Majority | |||||
| Turnout | |||||
| Swing | |||||
Elections in the 2010s[edit]
| General election 2019: Somerton and Frome[7] | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
| Conservative | David Warburton | 36,230 | 55.8 | –0.9 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Adam Boyden | 17,017 | 26.2 | +5.3 | |
| Labour | Sean Dromgoole | 8,354 | 12.9 | –4.3 | |
| Green | Andrea Dexter | 3,295 | 5.1 | +1.4 | |
| Majority | 19,213 | 29.6 | –6.2 | ||
| Turnout | 64,896 | 75.6 | –0.2 | ||
| Conservative hold | Swing | –3.1 | |||
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