I read today’s article in the Manchester Evening News headlined “C-Charge On A Knife Edge” with interest. It claims the “latest polling figures” show a narrow majority in favour of introducing the Charge, but that only six boroughs would vote in favour. Seven are required for a successful “yes” vote.
However I’m a little uncertain as to where these figures have come from. Despite describing them as the “latest polling figures”, the article goes on to say that the headline numbers are the result of ”canvassing of more than 5,000 people across the region” (my bold) which was “commissioned by the Yes campaign”.
So was this a properly-conducted poll, or just a bunch of canvassing done by the Yes campaign? If it is the former, then we could well be set for a tight finish, although the figures do seem a little odd. I find it unlikely that Bury will vote yes whilst Rochdale votes no. If it is the latter, then the article and the statistics that prompted it are pretty much worthless.
I think the truth is that no-one really knows, we’ll find out on 12th December, though I would say that out of my family and friends, I don’t know of one single person who is voting Yes.
Impeccable judgement as always on this issue Iain. Indeed I also smell a very fishy rat!
Hi iain,
Last night I attended the tif/con charge debate at the MEN bulding. I did my best to raise the concerns of Salford. Also tried to press my own dissapointment over the fact that when ive pressed Salford’s concerns I have been told this is a Greater Manchester issue and when Ive asked to meet with Greater Manchester reps been told to raise it in Salford council.
As ever Cllr Leese was displaying his own belief in his self importance. Liz Phelan, who I got to see in person last night, opened up with the sentiments that all those who question the bid and vote no are selfish, she could be a Labour Councillor.
The ‘no’ side, I think David Ottewell summed it up about Graham Stringer, looks like he might fall asleep but is very well informed. The leader of Trafford Council wasnt the greatest debater I’ve seen.
I see this morning Cllr Leese looking lost as he’s ventured a little out of the town hall to push the yes vote in Piccadilly Gardens.
Not seen the Salford Labour Cllr’s who were so vocal for the ‘yes’ vote out and about like Mr Leese, I may be proven wrong, I wish I could see Cllr Merry, Lancaster et al in a yellow vote ‘yes’ jacket, I could do with a laugh.
I wont trust a successfull yes vote anymore that i trusted Bush’s dodgy election.