I read a LinkedIn post from Craig Smith, a parliamentary candidate in the 2024 General Election campaign. I was moved to write a response, which needs to be heard further and broader than a comment (and the limit on LinkedIn ended up being too short to make my points). The post links to his blog, where Councillor Smith replies to wild claims made by the outgoing MP, Andrew Bridgen.

As a constituent of NW Leics, I can confirm

Over many years, I have corresponded with my MP.  The late David Taylor (and his staff) provided timely, thoughtful responses and followed up on every occasion.  To be fair to Bridgen, he did support me as a constituent in the early days of his time as our MP, but since at least 2022, that was not the case.  Andrew also misled parliament about his house sale to HS2 (which he apologised for in 2017) and has courted controversy since.  I heard some podcasts that gave an insight into some aspects of his beliefs I could subscribe to, but others repelled me.

I was first aware of you at the 80th Commemoration of D-Day event at Whitwick because I paid attention to local affairs.  You were paying respects and supporting fellow veterans rather than campaigning.  Once the campaign began, you were active at events (even finding the Bath Grounds), on the doorstep and online.  Sadly, as mentioned above, Sunak and the national campaign counted against you and prevented you from being elected MP.

I worked at NW Leics in 99/00 but had come across the Electoral Services Officer (singular) 2 years prior.  I write today in a personal capacity. I have been a Poll Clerk and Presiding Officer across the District covering Acresford, Ashby, Ellistown and Castle Donington for over 25 years.  I have also worked at the count on multiple occasions.  The Electoral Services Team grew, and the two key staff members eventually retired.  I only noticed Mr Colvin had taken over when the election planning email was issued from him, not his predecessor.  He and the team delivered the staff and processes to facilitate the General Election with minimal notice and were very capable and supportive.  

All staff undertook training for the General Election (despite there being the Police and Crime Commissioner elections earlier in the year).  The council has a team of senior managers supporting polling stations "on the road," and the Elections Registrations team are available for any guidance.  At my station, the box was fastened open, having been verified empty in the presence of the first voter at 7 am. We worked hard to ensure the integrity of the election. My team watched as the box was sealed at 10 pm.  Presiding Officers deliver the ballot boxes to the Count Centre (Whitwick & Coalville Leisure Centre) promptly following the close of the poll.  Security was tight, with vehicles searched and security staff creating a corridor from the drop-off zone to the reception.  Staff were able to assist with the election equipment but did not handle ballot boxes.  When you check a ballot box, the staff check the physical seal on the box. Representatives of some candidates (and some candidates) were visible to me, so presumably, they would have seen and challenged any anomalies.

As you explained in your article, the first stage of the election count is to verify the ballot account.  It takes time to ensure that the number of votes in the box equals the number of votes issued. The candidates scrutinise this, and the processes have enough checks and balances to ensure errors are detected and corrected.  

Subsequently, the count takes place.  I'd expect the capable Allison Thomas to ensure the process was measured, fair and transparent.  I've also noted that she is keen to ensure staff are appropriately regarded, so setting a timescale meant they could do an accurate job rather than a rushed one.  

I've long considered whether we should move to online/electronic voting, and each time, I have concluded that our present system works well and stands up to all scrutiny.  I'd look at further verification of postal votes if anything, although I don't suggest anything is awry. Again, you correctly wrote that candidates and their teams can observe the entire process.

Thank you for highlighting the article and for accepting the result.  I’m disappointed the people of NW Leics elected someone who does not live or work in the area and a party who has had a turbulent start.  Here’s hoping we don’t have to endure a full term!