The claims made by Kentishman are laughable. I'm not a UKIper, but I'm pretty sure that when it comes to the Euro elections their vote is going to increase over the EDP big time.
And I've done a fair bit of leafletting over the years so I'm no stranger to pounding the streets. It's hard but enjoyable work for those that have done it
Now, let's take a look at the EDP vote in recent elections. Fact. On thursday night the EDP trailed in at third place, behind the Tories who we were led to believe had given up in the ward. Third doesn't get you elected in this type of election. Despite being the so-called strongest EDP area, and having an ex-councillor as a candidate, you still failed to win. Portsmouth, another strong EDP area, saw their vote collapse to under 4%. Then there were the two parliamentary by-elections last year in Sedgefield and Southall where the EDP vote was around the 1% mark, getting beaten by the Monster Raving Loony Party in the process. Despite pumping over £100,000 into the party, you have failed to gain anything from it. I believe I'm right in saying that Mike Tibby was already a councillor when he came to the EDP, but has since lost two elections under their banner.
I found your post interesting for one revelation it contained. Around the time the debate took place on whether it was wise to attend a meeting with the England First party, you publicly stated that you would withdraw from the meeting. It now comes to light that you DID indeed attend such a meeting. Knowing the history and background of that party, why would you want to associate the EDP with such an extreme organisation, who support racist policies, and I might add, have a policy for an independent England? What is it that you might have in common with them? It is not independence for England that's for sure. Can I ask, do you support their racist ideology?
You seem to have set a benchmark of 16.8%. I would say that is a one off figure when you look at other EDP results around the country. Portsmouth as we said, scored 4%, and the last two parliamentary elections 1% each. By my reckoning, that's an average of less than 6%. That, I would venture to say, represents a more realistic level of support for the EDP. Dartford seems to be a distortion of true EDP support, which I grant you, shows the level of hard work that is put into the area, but it still failed to secure a winning vote. Take Dartford out of the equation and that figure drops to 2%. I would also point out, that when I stood for the EDP, I polled 15.4%, not bad for my first time out for the EDP.
You mention the Hertfordshire branch we created. As you well know, up to that point, I helped create the most vibrant, forward looking branch in the party. But then, as you know, the branch secretary resigned after the appalling drop in membership numbers. You personally then proceeded on a campaign to have me removed as branch chair, so I obliged by resigning. I believe, even now, you have failed to replace me or my colleagues.
It is my sincere conviction that the EDP have gone as far as they are likely to under the present leadership. Your claim that the EDP are English nationalists is debatable. You are a federalist party, plain and simple.
Why are we seeing a string of electoral failures from the EDP? Despite the huge investment in the party, it has achieved nothing. I think the good people of Dartford EDP should now consider replacing you as their leader, and the national party should consider removing the "dream team" at the top if they ever want to get anywhere.
The voting patterns around England would suggest that the EDP are dying a slow and agonising death. Surely even you must recognise this. Surely after leading your local party to continued failure, it's time you stepped down to make way for someone who can turn it around.