Week 1

The first week of the Election campaign proper draws towards the weekend and what has it brought?
Rather more people than I might have expected telling us they hope to see Lib Dems elected again in Eaglescliffe as we do a good job.
Quite a lot of people commenting on John Fletcher's forthcoming retirement and wishing him well for it. Quite a lot also expressing pleasure that Lesley Lewis is standing for election in his place, remembering her growing up in the area.
A leaflet from one of the other parties which displays a bit of confusion, with one page telling us 3 names of candidates but another page telling us differently!  It seems that one of their candidates changed before the nominations closed but no-one told the person writing the inside page.  Doesn't bode well for their claim that they'd represent the residents of Eaglescliffe better than we do if they can't even get the names of their candidates right.
It's also brought sunshine and remarkably high temperatures for this time of year.  If this is summer it's too early!  I'd like something a bit later in the year after the election is over and done with. Meanwhile we put up with the fact that most people in this weather are out in the garden or the park and aren't answering the door.  C'est la vie.
On the broader view, in the borough of Stockton-on-Tees the new fiscal year brought:

• 81000 people getting a £200 income tax cut - benefiting 23 million people across the country
• 4500 people have been lifted out of paying income tax altogether, with more to come
• 36400 pensioners have been given an extra £4.50 a week – and those retiring from today will be on average £15,000 better off over their retirement.