Goodbye 2018 hello 2019 - Cllr Jerry Roodhouse

As 2018 has drawn to a close and we welcome in the New Year, Councillor Jerry Roodhouse has written to the local papers about his concerns with the state of British politics and the need for a People's Vote, a new voting system and more powers to local authorities from central government.

Dear Editor,

Thank goodness for Christmas at least a few days without the bickering and shouting from within the Westminster bubble. As we head into 2019 Parliament will resume and the playground politics will start all over again and no one knows what will happen and as the clock ticks down towards March, there is one thing that I know will happen and that is the debate will get worse.

Our political system much admired by other countries for so long is now broken and smashed by Brexit and the ego of some politicians. The system we have is now not serving the Country well. We have an opposition with a leader who wants Brexit whilst most of his party don't. His only interest is getting into Number 10 Downing St and we have a Prime Minster who does not want to listen and is not showing leadership saying "my way or no way". It is a sorry mess and not the best way to run the Country. Over the last 5 years Warwickshire County Council has taken out over £88 million pounds and we are told another £40 to £50 million is to be cut whilst demand is increasing especially around mental health services for children and families and health and social care. Austerity is over we were told in 2018, but I think not in 2019.

This Country lacks leadership our democracy is broken it does not serve or reflect the modern society we live in, no wonder turnouts at elections are going down. Change is needed now! Firstly, a People's Vote on the deal that is being presented is needed. Secondly, we need to get rid of this old archaic system of two party politics and change the voting system where your vote will count. Thirdly, the Government should have faith in Local Government, give it the powers and the money to deliver and then trust local community's to judge if it is working for them. I would be happy if all of this took place in 2019.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse