Thursday, April 15, 2010

DEMREF 2010 press release

GLENN VOWLES ISSUES CHALLENGE TO FELLOW CANDIDATES TO BE OPEN WITH VOTERS ABOUT CLEANING UP POLITICS

Glenn Vowles, Green Party candidate for Bristol East has challenged other candidates in his constituency to openly state their views on reforms that might help to restore public trust following the scandal over politicians’ expenses.

Glenn has taken part in DEMREF 2010, the non-party election web initiative that allows voters to compare the reform policies of their candidates. He believes that all candidates should put themselves forward for voter scrutiny in this way, in the interests of openness and accountability, but the only other Bristol East candidate to take part so far is Lib Dem Mike Popham.

"Voters want to know where all politicians stand on reforming politics following the expenses scandal that has seriously damaged public trust," Mr Vowles said. "I challenge all my fellow candidates, especially Labour's Kerry McCarthy and the Tories Adeela Shafi, to take part in DEMREF 2010 so that the voting public can scrutinise our views and make an informed choice about which of us has the best policies for cleaning up politics."

DEMREF 2010 asks candidates for their views on fixed-term parliaments, free voting, the electoral system, open primaries, voting age, recalling MPs and House of Lords reform. There is also space for candidates to put forward their own favoured reforms.

Ends

Contact:

Glenn Vowles, tel 9717023
glennvowles@bristolgreenparty.org.uk

Notes for editors

DEMREF 2010 can be viewed at www.polinfluence.com/DEMREF2010.html

Voters concerned that their candidates have not taken part in DEMREF 2010 should simply text (standard charge) the name of their constituency (no other information required) to 07770 503610 and a reminder will be sent to the relevant candidates.

To take part in DEMREF 2010, candidates should email tony.samphier@btinternet.com

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