After several attempts in previous years to get a seat or drum stool on the RBK Council, by fielding more candidates than required, this time we decided to pitch low by only putting 3 OFFICIAL Loony candidates up for the 48 places that were up for grabs. Ironically, this tactic seemed to work as our 3 candidates tripled the 92 total of votes ‘won’ by 13 candidates in a previous election! Of course, we are thankful for all the messages of support received from all parts of the borough, many of which were deeply disappointed to not have an OFFICIAL Loony on their ballot paper . . . we duly apologise for this!
The count was held on the Friday, so we already knew that the Lib Dems won a total Mudslide the night before in neighbouring Richmond Upon Thames, and their MP, Sarah Olney attended our count along with her party leader, Sir Ed Davey, and both popped over to have a chat with the Loony candidates.
Once again, the Council’s Election team had proceedings superbly organised and announced each ward result to the assembled throng of candidates, agents, counters, press and uncle Tom Cobbley.
Our first time candidate Secrett Squirrel, and one of the youngest of 269 candidates was our star turn getting a very impressive 126 votes in Hook & Chessington North Ward (which was only 12-22 behind the 3 Labour candidates) whilst Captain Coiley got 79, & A Gent Chinners got 74 in the ward for Chessington South & Malden Rushett.
Interestingly several candidates for the Conservatives openly admitted they are considering defecting, not to Reform but to the only OFFICIAL party contesting these UK Elections.
Chinners