The district council campaigns being run by the political parties make interesting reading, based on what I have seen in Alan Ferguson's adverts in the Hadleigh Community News, the Conservative leaflets, and the Lib Dems' and Greens' recent articles here in Nub News. These do show a marked contrast in approaches, which is good, but it is all downhill from there. 

Firstly, the Conservatives. They make some promises that can't be delivered and include some inaccurate claims. 

They have included a commitment to 'exploring a move of the district council offices out of Ipswich', although worded in a way that leaves a lot of scope for ensuring this goes no further.

There is also a commitment to 'restore the Hadleigh and Sudbury access points'. This will come as a surprise to the Babergh staff who have always run the access points (these two and another in Shotley) – a service that has never been stopped.

They want to introduce a Babergh app/residents' card for perks including free parking. Are we to assume that those who don't want an app or to be on another database won't get free parking?

This will, in effect, create two classes of resident: those who will be allowed three hours free parking and those who will have to pay.

The big commitment seems to be to 'scrap the draft local plan which was rejected by the government inspector'.

I can assure everyone that it was not rejected. The modifications required by the inspectors have been completed and part 1 of the plan is now out for the final six-week consultation, prior to adoption by council towards the end of the Summer.

Scrapping it is neither sensible – it would waste seven years of work – nor feasible.

The government wants to ensure that this doesn't happen, which is why there is a section in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill that explicitly prevents withdrawal of a plan that has reached the examination stage, unless the inspectors or the LU Secretary direct withdrawal.

Finally, there is a promise to press for a dedicated housing plan for Hadleigh. This is not a Babergh responsibility and Mr. Ferguson should know that the town council has already started a Neighbourhood Plan for the town; responsibility for developing this now rests with them.

So, nothing to press for here. 

The Conservative party I knew prided itself on careful management of public finances. Uncosted, unfunded promises that would deliver a reduced service should be anathema to them.

To quote from a speech our MP made in parliament last year in reference to Liz Truss's policies: 'when you promise stuff and not say how you will pay for it, or make difficult decisions, it is populism'. 

All in all, a manifesto that is sorely lacking in truth and realism – but including a number of U-turns from their 2019 manifesto. They are also hampered by the appalling behaviour of some of their members.

Sian Dawson - appalling behaviour from Conservatives

The Greens, however, have gone in the other direction: a bland, motherhood and apple pie list that no one could oppose.

I won't list them again, but every candidate standing wants to do these things; indeed, Babergh is already doing them!

Where is their USP that would persuade people to vote for them?

I know this is a very brief assessment, but there is nothing more to go on.

Meet your Greens

In his recent Nub News article, the Lib Dem candidate for Hadleigh North has identified the four most important things to focus on: tackle climate change, ensure appropriate development, attract investment and jobs, and deliver more affordable and retirement housing.

However, he is silent on why the Lib Dems think these are not already being done (answer: they are) and how and why they would change the council's approach (answer: they won't as they have been part – an effective and supportive part – of the coalition that has delivered so much since 2019). 

Lib dems announce David Butcher...

It would be good to hear from Labour. I am sure they have some leaflets in a few wards, but nothing in the wider media, so I don't know what they are offering.

All in all, not very impressive and I am sure voters want to see a lot more detail and honesty. In contrast, the Independents, as articulated in Nub News a couple of weeks ago, demonstrate that they alone have thought leadership and a real understanding of the complexities and difficulties in providing effective local government.