Policies count

Steve Moore says he feels let down by Wantage Conservative MP Ed Vaizey and is proposing to gauge the level of support for him to stand against him.

Similar challenges have been proposed in other seats, notably by celebrities such as Esther Rantzen and by the former BBC journalist and MP Martin Bell.

It is refreshing to see individuals considering the challenge of becoming an MP. In the current climate, one can imagine some independents winning in seats where there is widespread disillusionment with the sitting MP.

However, it is not enough for candidates to campaign on the single issue of MPs’ behaviour.

They must have policies that are clearly presented to the electorate before the vote.

Mr Moore says he would be guided by the electorate in forming his views on the big issues.

If he or anyone else is to stand for election then that guidance should be sought before any poll and the conclusions presented clearly to voters.

Meanwhile, today is the first opportunity to cast our vote in the wake of the MPs’ expenses scandal. We say wake, although we are still in the midst of this scandal, with The Daily Telegraph’s never-ending stream of revelations continuing apace.

This climate is not the best one in which to cast our votes. To start with, we are electing county councillors and Euro MPs — not Westminster hopefuls — when everyone’s thoughts are on MPs’ expenses and the travails of the Prime Minister and his cabinet.

If the expenses scandal achieves one thing, we hope it is a higher turnout in today’s elections.

The worst result would be to see more people than ever before relinquishing their democratic rights in some form of protest.

It may be that many feel it is difficult to vote for any of the parties. However, we would urge all to take some time to understand who is standing and on what platform they are campaigning. That is what should properly affect our judgement.