Looking out for the next generation of people to represent our community.
By John Barrett, former local Member of Parliament and Local Councillor
With our political system appearing to be in meltdown and trust in elected politicians at an all-time low, why would anyone now join a political party, or stand for election.
When I was elected, I used to hear people say “never trust a politician” as if those elected were from a different planet, but in most cases those standing for election (from all parties) were just like everyone else and simply wanted to do what they could to improve life, or their neighbourhood, in whatever way they believed possible.
Next year it will be 40 years since I joined to old Liberal Party. It was not to get elected, but to campaign on issues that mattered to me, locally, nationally and internationally.
With the exception of Donald Gorrie, no Liberals were elected in Corstorphine and nobody joining the party did so, because they thought that one day they might be a councillor, or a Member of Parliament.
After a decade serving on the Corstorphine Community Council I was asked to stand for election to Edinburgh City Council. After many years on the Council I was asked to stand for Westminster. My initial response was to say no and to offer to assist another colleague stand instead. At no time, until I was selected as a candidate, was it my ambition to become an MP as I was happy working and living in Edinburgh.
Now it is time for a new generation of people who care for the community, the environment and the wider interest of society to step up and get involved. Whatever your views and whatever party you might want to join, or if you wish to stand as an independent and need some advice as to what to do, why not contact me on 0780 1057 446
I am no longer politically active but am happy to encourage others to become more involved, to serve their communities and to stand for election when the time is right.
I was lucky enough to have experienced success at many elections, but standing up for what you believe and campaigning on issues that matter can be reward enough.
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