Back in 2019 I ran for Parliament!

On reflection, I didn’t have a chance. Standing as an Independent (the first ever in Rother Valley) I had this rather grandiose theory that the people of the area may well be as disenfranchised as I was with party politics, and would choose someone who was passionate about Rother Valley and its people (all of us). Needless to say I wasn’t successful, and the area voted for its first ever Tory MP. Defeated, but not discouraged.

Many people who had supported me (and a number who didn’t) suggested I should attempt to become a local councillor. I’d not considered this, but after some thought and investigation I saw that it would allow me to work with the people of the more local area to improve our surroundings. Aughton & Swallownest (and Aston of course) is, on the whole a great place to be. It has its detractors (as do many areas) and there are elements that desperately need investment (or attention) and given the right representation in the places that matter (not just RMBC but that would help) I genuinely think we can make a very positive difference.

I will never tire of telling people that I’m not a politician. I think anybody who claims to be a politician (or sees it as an ambition) should be automatically barred from standing for a role in local Government!! I don’t believe that membership of a political party is a pre-requisite for successfully representing the people of a district like Aughton & Swallownest.

Passion for the area, and its people, and a desire to work hard to make a positive impact in the time we have is what makes a successful councillor, and that is what I promise. If given the chance to represent Aughton & Swallownest Ward you will never see my name in the bottom half of any attendance lists. It baffles me that people stand for political parties and see their election to Council as being enough until the next election.

If I am elected I expect to stand for re-election with a track record of local achievements, and having made a change. If I can’t do that, I wouldn’t see a point in standing again. It won’t be easy. The people of our area have a long standing tradition of voting based on the colour of a rosette. I hope that may change and that you’ll give me the opportunity.

All I can promise in return is that you won’t regret it.

Thank you

Nigel Short