With all the runners of the Waddon byelection announced, Peter Truman focuses on each of the eight candidates with three questions:

• Which three words describe you best?

• If you could only change one thing in Waddon what would it be?

• Why did you get into politics?

Ian Payne, Labour - Experienced, dedicated, concerned.

To empower the local community through consultation.

I wanted to fight Thatcher’s espousal of selfishness and to promote better public services.

Mark Samuel, The People's Choice - Helpful, reliable, honest.

Lower council tax by drawing no councillor’s allowances, parking permits or other perks.

To represent all residents first and foremost, above greedy and inefficient party politicians.

Kathleen Garner, UKIP - Diligent, trustworthy, straightforward.

A decent community area, without disposing of assets to big business.

I become aware of a democratic deficit, with the country ruled by a distant elite.

Mary Davey, Green - Ethical, thorough, decisive.

Every household in Waddon properly insulated at no cost to them.

I joined Labour but left after they voted Tony Blair in and found the Green Party was dealing with the urgent issues.

Jon Cartwright, Official Monster Raving Loony Party - Honest, idiosyncratic, pedantic.

Regulation on the design of letterboxes, to make it easier to deliver election leaflets A desire for resources to be used more equitably Claire Hilley Conservative - Determined, passionate, committed.

Building Waddon’s new sports facilities and swimming pool.

To provide people with a strong representative to fight their corner and stand up for their interests.

Pat Gauge, Liberal Democrats - Perceptive, practical, principled I would change the outcomes for all kids so when educated in Waddon they achieve success based not on their backgrounds, parents or income, but on their abilities.

To use my skills and experience to make a positive difference to local policies and practices, to improve community life and to monitor finances in local government.

Charlotte Lewis, BNP - Loyal, reliable, conscientious.

More street bins.

Britain is an over-crowded island in the far north-west of Europe. How can it be the nearest safe country for Africans or Asians to claim asylum in?


Clare Hilley, Conservative Party candidate - determined, passionate, committed.


Building Waddon’s new sports facilities and swimming pool.


To provide people with a strong representative to fight their corner and stand up for their interests.



• What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.