Chesham and Amersham – Why did we win?

What led to such an overwhelming victory for the Lib Dems?

Clearly the qualities of our winning candidate, Sarah Green, and the tremendous campaigning of all the Lib Dem members and supporters who invested their time ,energy and money are major factors in our success in Chesham and Amersham. However it is also appropriate to reflect on which particular issues were most mentioned 'on the door step' and which Lib Dem policies resonated most with constituents.

'Neglected and taken for granted' MPs do need to listen to their constituents and not just those who say things they want to hear. Derbyshire Dales MP Sarah Dines (Con) who has become notorious for blocking people who disagree with her on her Facebook page should take note. 'Listening' is more than turning up for a photo opportunity at a shop or tourist attraction.

'Covid in Care Homes' The emerging evidence that the 'protective ring' promised by Matt Hancock was nothing of the sort and his attempts to re-write his role in the history of the Covid pandemic in the UK, have clearly left an impression of incompetence and deceit at the heart of government. Honesty and openness are attractive qualities but all too rare in this Conservative administration.

'Delay in unlocking' The apparent 'own goal' of allowing the Delta (Indian) variant to enter the country and thereby promoting the UK to the top of the European league table for incidence of Covid infections did nothing to create confidence in Mr Johnson's decision making abilities. The consequential postponement of unlocking was clearly not a vote winner.

However it was probably on the issue of the environment and in particular local control of planning that saw most discontent about the direction of travel of Boris Johnson's government.

'Care for the environment' This has always been a strength in Lib Dem manifestos and Ed Davey's track record as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change is impressive, particularly with respect to off shore wind. However it is the changes to planning regulations that are thought will form part of this Conservative government's forthcoming Planning Bill that have attracted the greatest ire of constituents. Widely seen as a developer's charter, many regret the loss of local control of the planning process. It has even been criticised by Theresa May suggesting it will result in the "wrong homes being built in the wrong places".

It is already clear that this aspect of the Bill is going to be very unpopular in many areas of the Derbyshire Dales where the existing Local Plan has not prevented new developments providing homes for holiday rental rather than those in real need.

Be assured that Derbyshire Dales Lib Dems are going to do all that we can to prevent this misguided Bill from preventing local accountability in planning.

See here for an overview of the Lib Dem view of the Environment Bill from Sarah Olney