IT IS getting busier and busier on the election trail. As we have said, the biggest effort may be getting the public engaged but you cannot fault the parties for trying.
=============
We held an election hustings at the Thameside where we were pleased to mix the involvement from the audience in the Grays theatre with our on-line audience on social media.
The hustings was a fascinating battle between Polly Billington and Tim Aker with a valuable contribution by independent Daniel Munyambu and APP candidate, Aba Kristilolu.
==============
It seemed that a question about sports provision and in particular, Grays Athletic, prompted Grays to take the positive words from both Labour and UKIP and tell the council that they have the funding in place for a new stadium and hope to engage in talks.
================
We started the first of our ward by ward pieces. We interviewed young Conservatives (well they are young to us) and were always impressed with their continued commitment to local politics (other candidates are available).
================
The Eddie Izzard visit to Grays attracted a great deal of attention. Sometimes these visits can be seen as distraction pieces but Eddie (one selfie and they are calling him by his first name!) was real breath of fresh air.
================
Oh and we had poster wars. With one resident in South Ockendon being helped by Tim Aker to take her Labour poster down and a UKIP one up. Then we had one grandson ripping up a very large hoarding in his Nan’s garden. It is all go!
=========
The Nigel Farage roadshow came into town on Monday as he held a rally at the Circus Tavern. Nigel clearly did not disappoint the 800 strong crowd. How many were from Thurrock was a moot point.
The national press spent their time tweeting about the fact that there was a gentlemans club outside. Some of them tend to act like David Attenborough and may give a clue why people feel alienated from the mainstream.
================
And yes, we will catch up with the Cannabis is Safer Than Alcohol Party (CISTA) party.
=================
