THERE will be local elections next month, but I won’t be voting for any party. I’m not going to waste my vote on a party; I’m sick of party politics.

I’m voting for an individual to represent us, the people, not a party.

Party politics is out of control. It’s no more than playground posturing, name-calling and one-upmanship.

When I see our politicians in the House of Commons, I’m ashamed. Is this baying mob really the best of British?

The behaviour at PM's Questions is some of the worst I’ve seen, and, as a teacher in north London in the mid-80s, I’ve seen very bad behaviour.

Take the recent comment by former Tory Minister Sir Alan Duncan, who implied that those who were not wealthy were ‘low achievers’.

Speaking as a ‘low achiever’,who comes from a family of fishmongers, who went to a comprehensive school, I resent the implication that my success in life should be measured by my wealth – or lack of it.

Is insulting teachers, nurses, firemen, policemen and so on acceptable?

I’ve never attended local council meetings, but I hope such antics aren’t played out there.

Many politicians have a desire to make life better for the people they serve, but far too many are in it only for power and authority.

If you’re a candidate and come knocking on my door, I don’t want ‘party’ slogans and negative opposition-bashing.

I’d like to know the following: what opposition policies do you support? What policies in your own party do you disagree with or would change?

If your party loses, or doesn’t regain control, how will you support the controlling party to make life better for local people?

I’d like your reassurance that you won’t just oppose out of spite, but will try and do what you were elected to do – represent us, not your party.

  • James D Williams is a lecturer in education at the University of Sussex School of Education and Social Work