So there we have it. It is not the Switch to Fitch movement, nor Christopher Hawtree standing in several seats simultaneously, but UKIP that is set to take Brighton and Hove by storm. Well, maybe a gentle breeze. The party is rumoured to have seven candidates (so far ….) to stand in May’s local elections, a candidate in Patcham, St Peter’s and North Laine (I am reliably informed that Labour’s Adrian Morris “a great guy and a real supporter of your community” isn’t standing for UKIP), and Wish. There will be three UKIP candidates in Rottingdean Coastal including Paul Perrin (the UKIP candidate in Hove at the general election).
Nigel Carter, the UKIP candidate in Brighton Pavilion last May, is standing in Withdene, or is it Hollingbury (sic), or maybe Woodingdean. Perhaps somewhere else. They haven’t yet decided.
Paul Perrin told me: “We are in the process of setting up a local branch/association, our only resource is goodwill of local supporters so we are spread a bit thin and rushed …but …. I think it is safe to say that we are really just local people who think the UK should be putting UK citizens first, and think the local council should be putting its residents first.” I think I am quite safe in saying that, on that platform, UKIP will not be forming an administration in May or even holding the balance of power. But their arrival (if it can be called that) adds a bit of colour, especially in Rottingdean Coastal which is fast becoming a four-way marginal – Labour’s Harris Fitch, UKIP’s Paul Perrin, Christopher Hawtree of the Greens are all confident of unseating Mary Mears. Be afraid Mary Mears, be …. well …. a tad amused.
But have I got it wrong? ‘rottingdean’ says I should check my sources: “The Lido mob, UKIP or Mr Pickwick might not be the only surprises in Rottingdean, something far bigger is being rumoured to unseat Ms Mears.” I’ve heard nothing. I think Mary is safe as houses.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Adrian Morris, Brighton Pavilion, Christopher Hawtree, Harris Fitch, Hove, Mary Mears, Mr Pickwick, Nigel Carter, North Laine, Patcham, Paul Perrin, Rottingdean Coastal, St Peter's, Wish, Withdene, Woodingdean | 8 Comments »