ColinBlackburn4Bath

I look forward to engaging with our residents and explaining why Independent- Our Choice For Bath is the way to vote.

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

Promoted by Colin Blackburn on behalf of Colin Blackburn - Independent @ 5 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath BA2 3FZ

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

Dear Supporters,

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who supported our campaign. While we did not achieve the outcome we hoped for, our greatest success was ensuring that the other candidates paid attention to the issues that truly matter to our Bath. I am immensely proud of the campaign we ran and the impact we made.

I wish the victor the best of success in their role as my MP, and hope she will focus on the needs and voices of ALL her constituents. Let's continue to work together towards a better future.

Should we have another go next time?

Let me know what you think when you see me next.

I’m off to bed.

Sincerely,

Colin

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

@DMatthe53791206 @NYWELSH Very much appreciated.

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

@smilebehappyOO1 @WingsScotland Thanks Moon, good to chat.

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

@gridlockkev I asked for the Tory vote too:

Below is Published and Promoted by Colin Blackburn on behalf of Colin Blackburn - Independent @ 5 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath.

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

I'm told by a supporter that over in the local Reform Party chat I am being described as a failed LibDem, champagne socialist.

That's news to me 😂😅.

Their candidate was so pleasant about me earlier in the campaign. I wonder what has happened:

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

@smilebehappyOO1 @WingsScotland Sorry Moonshine, I wasnt blanking you, I never saw your question. Ask away. It's more likely I will spot your question if it is a DM.

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

A totally valid position and one I am sure many share, but the best for Bath will come about by a discussion in Bath and not the mandates of a national manifesto to cut numbers significantly. Same with what is best for the NHS in Bath - our challenges are not the same as in other parts of the country.

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

Party politics are failing us. Voters are frustrated with strict party lines that stifle individual MPs' ability to act in their constituents' best interests. The tit-for-tat red on blue, blue on red partisanship leads to gridlock and unproductive debates rather than constructive solutions. Moreover, these national parties sometimes overlook local issues, making voters feel their needs are not adequately represented. Additionally, parties may not reflect the diverse opinions and priorities of the electorate.

For example, here in Bath, we have a candidate running on a national platform to "restrict undergraduate numbers well below current levels."

As the councillor for Oldfield Park for nine years, I am well-versed in the town vs. gown challenges.

But as a city, do we really want the universities here to reduce numbers to "well below current levels"? The universities are significant employers of both academic and non-academic staff. Do we want them to be let go, or can we come up with a better solution that works better for our Bath?

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

The above was published & promoted by Colin Blackburn on behalf of Colin Blackburn - Independent @ 5 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath BA2 3FZ

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

The above was published & promoted by Colin Blackburn on behalf of Colin Blackburn - Independent @ 5 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath BA2 3FZ

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

It was a big decision for me to run for MP. I decided to stand after many, many conversations with people who told me they just didn’t feel they had anyone they wanted to vote for.

Hopefully having an Independent candidate on the ballot paper, who will represent the City of Bath instead of a political party, will solve that problem!

Think Independent
Vote Independent

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

This is my daughter asking me why I am running as an Independent Candidate to represent our City of Bath:

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

The above was published & promoted by Colin Blackburn on behalf of Colin Blackburn - Independent @ 5 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath BA2 3FZ

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

I seem to be getting criticised for talking with those protesting over the weekend against what they see as the imposition of unwanted traffic measures in their communities, as well as from communities that feel they have suffered due to the imposition of traffic measures benefiting neighbouring communities.

Let me be very clear — I am unapologetic.

The pic of me talking to the demonstrators is not some kind of Gotcha! It's what I do.

I will engage with all constituents. I am committed to listening to all sides and understanding diverse perspectives.

Showing a willingness to engage with everyone can build trust with constituents who might otherwise feel alienated or ignored. I have respect for the democratic process and support the right to protest, whether the protesters share my personal beliefs or not. Engaging with demonstrators shows respect for the democratic process, reinforcing my support for civil liberties and broad participation in civic life.

I am not big on telling others what they should and should not do. However, perhaps those criticising me for engaging could consider the merits of stepping out of their party-political echo chamber once in a while. You will be amazed at what you can discover by listening to others.

If you believe candidates should block out, blank, mute, or ignore constituents raising grievances, then there are other candidates I can think of who would welcome your ❎.

One in particular comes to mind.

Think Independent
Vote Independent

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

The above was published & promoted by Colin Blackburn on behalf of Colin Blackburn - Independent @ 5 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath BA2 3FZ

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

https://t.co/ZY0taTwEOE

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

The above was published & promoted by Colin Blackburn on behalf of Colin Blackburn - Independent @ 5 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath BA2 3FZ

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

The above was published & promoted by Colin Blackburn on behalf of Colin Blackburn - Independent @ 5 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath BA2 3FZ

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

The above was published & promoted by Colin Blackburn on behalf of Colin Blackburn - Independent @ 5 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath BA2 3FZ

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

The above was published & promoted by Colin Blackburn on behalf of Colin Blackburn - Independent @ 5 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath BA2 3FZ

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

The above was published & promoted by Colin Blackburn on behalf of Colin Blackburn - Independent @ 5 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath BA2 3FZ

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

The above was published & promoted by Colin Blackburn on behalf of Colin Blackburn - Independent @ 5 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath BA2 3FZ

[ColinBlackburn4Bath @Colin4Bath]

The above was published & promoted by Colin Blackburn on behalf of Colin Blackburn - Independent @ 5 Lyndhurst Mews, Bath BA2 3FZ

[Wera Hobhouse MP 🔶 🇺🇦 @Wera_Hobhouse]

The NHS is in crisis, with long waiting times to get an operation, for an ambulance to arrive or long hours waiting to be seen in A&E.

At the heart of the crisis is a breakdown in social care.

This is why @LibDems have made social care the centrepiece of our manifesto👇