Political Viewpoint

BY Southend Council’s Liberal Democrat Group Leader and Councillor for Eastwood Park Ward, Coun Paul Collins.

IS the future of democracy dead?

I was startled to read today, that a recent survey of GenZ (those aged 13 to 27 years old) that the majority of those that responded, 52% agreed with the question: “the UK would be a better place if a strong leader was in charge who does not have to bother with parliament and elections”. Source Channel 4’s report titled Gen Z: Trends, Truth, and Trust.

What does this say about the portrayal of the political news around the world, from the re-election of that self-interested oligarch, President Donald Trump in the United States of America through to Alexander Lukashenko, who recently extended his 31-year leadership in Belarus, claiming 86.8% in a heavily disputed presidential vote and then Vladimir Putin, who remains as leader of Russia, despite serving terms as both president and prime minister and back again.

The cult of power is defined by popular rhetoric. It is something all democratic and progressive liberal minded people are concerned about, as it drives power into the hands of a few. Will that outcome make peoples lives and experiences better?

The ability to use social media to denigrate and undermine cultures in our society, just because they are different, resonates so much with me, as we stop and reflect on the 80th year of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps in eastern Europe, and what may be allowed to happen again, if we let it.

We now move forward to consider what our new Labour Government is considering realigning democracy, in the name of efficiency.

This Government is following the view of the previous Conservative Government, whereby this process of removing/cancelling District Councils (such as Castle Point and Rochford) has been ongoing in the north and the midlands for a number years.

The removal of the burdensome layering of County and District Councillors, with separate Council Officers serving the same population does make sense.

As an experienced Unitary Councillor here in Southend, since 2010, I do see the benefits it brings people, as they have one point of call, with their Council or their Councillors to help them and explain what support they may need.

Southend as a Unitary Authority has survived well since our creation in 1999, with only a population of 170 to 180 thousand, but as the financial cold winds from austerity in 2010, through the upheaval of Brexit to severe financial crises, it is getting harder and harder to balance the books.

There is merit in considering a larger Unitary Authority, which may include our two immediate neighbours, as Essex may well get broken up and their duties passed down to a new Unitary Authority in our area.

It will also ensure we do not find ourselves forced to be aligned with Thurrock.

Devolution is also being discussed and when this article is printed, we may well find ourselves with the prospect of an elected strategic Mayor for the geographical area of Essex, including Thurrock and Southend.

This as a Liberal Democrat I have the biggest concern, but the reassurance we are being given is that the elected Mayor will have devolved powers and money from Whitehall to decide to invest into our area. This could mean a proper plan to upgrade the A127, to properly consider a new third way off of Canvey Island and a properly run public transport service that runs for the public and not the private shareholders of the current bus companies.

I have spent my life in local politics for over 40 years, with my strong liberal views, and as a Councillor and currently, a senior Cabinet Member of Southend on Sea Council, I do get to see

many problems and the struggles people face in their lives.

It is a right to have decent housing, the ability to move around and a role in society that is fulfilling for individuals, and the freedom to enjoy these.

So, these changes upcoming, causes more worries and concerns, and Politicians, I feel, have never been so mistrusted by the public, and having seen what a selected majority of 13 to 27 year olds think, I am not surprised.

Do we want to move to a dictatorial method of governance, whereby an individual or very small group directs and decides who they will support and those that they will reject?

I certainly do not wish to be told how to behave or believe and will continue to make my case for liberalism and freedom of expression.

So, stand up for what you believe and take part in the political process. Stand for election by your peers, it will be the right way for our democracy to survive and not just allow a person who is good on social media to tell us what we should do and believe!

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