Reflections on the last General Election

A quick browse through the last General Election results in Northavon reminds me that the first election I ever participated in saw no real change in results across any parties. However, I think it's worth scrutinising them in 2010 because Northavon will cease to exist, - making room for the new Thornbury and Yate constituency (which existing MP Steve Webb will be running for).

A smaller constituency will mean a smaller number of votes to go around, but the Lib Dem's 11,000 majority from last year will still be hard to assail. I'm guessing that the only other party that can really make a strong go of taking the first election for Thornbury and Yate will be the Conservatives.

I'd be interested to know what issues local people will be basing their voting decisions on though. Personally I try to vote on local issues so wider party politics are more of a secondary concern for me, and I would not be surprised to hear the same from other voters. In fact, I have actually been told that people are likely to cast their votes according to a wider dissatisfaction with the current Government, but as the Lib Dems are neither in power or in a strong position to take it for themselves, I imagine this will not have a profound impact on how people vote in Thornbury and Yate.

What do you think matters most to local people in the upcoming elections? For that matter, what is most important to you? Have your say here.