Friday, 30 April 2010

Greens ahead in Democracy Club Survey

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8651258.stm

News on the BBC election website that Greens have responded the most to the Democracy Club's survey of general election candidates. Well worth looking at They Work for You website. Notice the low rate of Labour responses.

Election 2010: Online volunteers to scrutinise MPs



The project has compiled a database of 4,100 candidates standing on 6 May

Democracy activists have enlisted 6,000 volunteers, covering all but one of the UK's 650 constituencies, for a project trying to keep future MPs in check.

The Democracy Club has asked every candidate standing on 6 May for their views on a wide range of issues.

It will monitor whether those who enter Parliament stick to their promises.



But only 6% of Tory candidates have given answers, and club spokesman Seb Bacon said they were "apparently very reluctant" to take part.

Green Party candidates had provided the greatest number of responses, Mr Bacon said, with replies from 65% of those standing in Scotland and 54% in England and Wales.

UKIP were the only other party with a response rate of more than 50%.

Among would-be Liberal Democrat MPs, 42% had replied, while the figure for Labour was 26%, Mr Bacon said.

Before polling day, the project's volunteers would "chase up" candidates who had not responded, he added.

"We already see the project as a success because we have at least some answers in most constituencies, because one of our primary goals is engaging people with politics on a more local level."

A list of more than 3,000 local issues was compiled, with each candidate giving their views on a handful of these topics.

The political website They Work For You is publishing all responses as they arrive.

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