Forget party politics – Jesse is the local champion Hereford needs. (From Hereford Times)

Forget party politics – Jesse is the local champion Hereford needs.

11:36am Friday 16th April 2010

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By Tom Kennedy »

LAST night was the first of the historical televised debates between the three leaders of the main parties. Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg were all grilled by questions from the audience in Manchester. The answers were reasonably predictable. Brown talked of economic stability, obviously attempting to show that his experience made him the best man for the job. Cameron talked of a bright future, and the exciting change he thought a Conservative government could bring to this country. Clegg preformed well, he was confident and impressive. He attempted to dismiss Labour and The Conservatives as one, the parties that have shared power for decades. It is time, he argued, to try something new. The opinion polls conducted after the debates certainly confirmed his appeal, proving there is an appetite for change. Whilst Clegg will be pleased with his performance, Cameron also did well. He remained calm and composed, and offered fine answers when called upon. When the polling considered audience reaction to each question, Cameron did very well.

In truth, we have learnt almost nothing from last night. All three leaders simply repeated what they have been saying for the last sixth months, which is understandable. The seventy plus rules ensured that excitement would be somewhat low.

Whatever you think of the performances of Brown, Cameron and Clegg, it is worth remembering that we can vote for none of them here. In reality, we have a choice between Sarah Carr, the Liberal Democrat, and Jesse Norman, the Conservative. I think that when we are registering our vote we should consider who will be the best local champion for Hereford. Who will address our disgraceful amount of underfunding at the top level? Who will provide a loud and clear voice for us in Parliament? The answer is Jesse Norman. Jesse has not made his campaign party political, he has delivered a message that the people of Hereford can relate to: be local, be positive and be effective. Although he is a true compassionate Conservative, he has shown that he is not afraid to go against the party line when he feels it is necessary. The publication of his pamphlet, The Conservative Case for The Human Rights Act, is testament to this. We can rely on him to always do what he thinks is right, for county and country.

Without being elected, Jesse has already done a world of good for Hereford. He has work tirelessly to make Hereford a better place for many people with disabilities, who don’t always have a voice. His brilliant work at The Kindle Centre has led to new state of the arts drama facilities for young people in Hereford. He heard the concerns of local people over the cider tax, and brought it right to the top of the party, where he received backing from the shadow chancellor. Quick thinking action like this is the reason that Amol Rajan of The Independent described Jesse as “Much the most impressive Tory candidate at the next election I've yet come across”.

After decades of mediocracy, Hereford at last has the chance to elect someone with huge political potential. Jesse can help to provide Hereford with the opportunities and funding it so richly deserves. He is a man of principle; the lack of negative campaigning from his team is refreshing indeed.

This shouldn’t be about whether you are Tory, Labour or a Liberal Democrat. Personally, I would consider myself none of the above at national level, at least not as a staunch supporter. It should be about what is best for Hereford, and that is most definitely Jesse. That is why I will be voting for him.

On the 6th May, we need to elect Jesse Norman as the strong local champion that Hereford so desperately needs.