It is said that elections are won on the doorstep, and that may well be true. Being armchair activists, it’s difficult to check up on that.
Twitter and blogs however are part of our social media present and future, and if the election was decided there, how would each of the wards be looking?
A regular read. As someone who used to be a blogger, and who is sometimes a subject to pieces, they absolutely do an important service for local democracy. Congrats to the team.
— Tris Osborne (@cllrtrisosborne) February 15, 2019
Medway Conservatives (49 candidates)
Cllr Paterson promoting the @MedwayLabour magic money tree where you can have unlimited services that no-one has to pay for.
— Andrew Lawrence (@MrAWJLawrence) February 16, 2019
Representing Princes Park is a delight and an honour. Tashi and I were out again today holding important conversations with our residents.. real pleasure to see so many strong supporters of our Conservative run Medway Council. #WeAreMedway @RobbieLammas @alex_hyne @MedwayTories pic.twitter.com/bpDNQTvAkx
— Gloria Opara (@gloriaopara) February 16, 2019
Grateful that @MatthewScottPCC takes so much direct interest in Medway. We are also looking forward to him visiting Rochester on 2 April at the Guildhall 5.30pm and talking to Rochester residents about his plans for this area. https://t.co/8uDrofmzzx
— Stuart Tranter (@CllrStuartT) February 16, 2019
Last night saw some people offering help to someone who I knew was a 'professional beggar'. Turns out one of those offering help is really homeless, but getting family support. Hopefully I will be able to help her resolve complex issues. It's good to get out and talk.
— Stuart Tranter (@CllrStuartT) February 16, 2019
Excellent canvassing session today thank you to those residents who spoke with us overwhelming satisfaction with the services provide by @medway_council @MedwayTories pic.twitter.com/31mtMoXC5V
— conservatives4watling (@conservatives43) February 16, 2019
This week had a chance meeting with businessman considering opening a new jewellery shop in Rochester. Great chat, and maybe I can assist. I so love this place, and turns out so does he.
— Stuart Tranter (@CllrStuartT) February 16, 2019
Dan, I suspect Rainham and Hempstead councillors simply arrange to have it removed, like I do. I also encourage prosecution of fly tippers or ASB. @medway_council cares about everyone, and we can all help them.
— Stuart Tranter (@CllrStuartT) February 18, 2019
We also discussed how the stats are being by some Politicians in Kent who are mis-using the stats for political means.
— conservatives4watling (@conservatives43) February 19, 2019
The @ONS itself says that the best stats for measuring crime is the #NationalCrimeSurvey which shows that crime has plateaued.
Agree, I’ve had this conversation about the birth to walker/12 month debate. There are issues for children who may not walk at a certain age.
— Elizabeth Turpin (@ElizabethTurp14) February 19, 2019
Following the submission of our community petition to save the Lower #Rainham Farmland & Greenfields, I wrote to #Medway Council on behalf of #RainhamNorth residents. pic.twitter.com/uwcTVQYKNY
— Martin Potter (@MartinMPotter) February 20, 2019
Another wonderful session in Luton & Wayfield with Ade Kosoko pic.twitter.com/s4S6KTwPD1
— Robbie Lammas (@RobbieLammas) February 23, 2019
Captain Stargazer ponders the problems of the galaxy and what he might do if only he had a rocket. Meanwhile, back on planet earth, @MedwayTories simply installed a free cash machine. https://t.co/OR8ZC2Fm6a
— Stuart Tranter (@CllrStuartT) February 24, 2019
omg #socialistsunday is back!
— Andrew Lawrence (@MrAWJLawrence) February 24, 2019
With the new Vicar of St Mark in Gillingham
— Cllr Steve Iles (@SteveIles) February 24, 2019
Malayil Lukose, Varghese Mutually or Saju for short. pic.twitter.com/mB0iV7c2vR
If places like Bluewater are struggling with occupancy it is going to be difficult for high streeets to compete.
— Andrew Lawrence (@MrAWJLawrence) February 24, 2019
You can’t buck trends by forcing change – high streets need to move with trends, forcing some businesses to provide services that are in decline is nonsensical.
"Princes Park is a fantastic community" declares @MedwayLabour's candidate @Seyi24. Thanks for the compliment. It's all evidence of years of hardwork by Conservative Councillors. We're determined to keep it from becoming like some labour controlled wards. @MedwayTories
— Gloria Opara (@gloriaopara) February 26, 2019
Absolutely, in 2014 I saw people arriving by train to Rochester simply to spread hate. I suspect many of them followed along without even a care for any cause; they just wanted trouble.
— Stuart Tranter (@CllrStuartT) February 26, 2019
A three month delay to Brexit will destroy Conservative Local election prospects. Associations won’t stand for it. Public won’t stand for it. Simples.
— Robbie Lammas (@RobbieLammas) February 26, 2019
Welcome aboard the £5k/yr London bound @Se_Railway service of hell. There is no space, no seats, no air and more people cram on at every stop. Why is this accepted in the 5th richest economy in the world is beyond me. Kent MPs must do more to pressure @transportgovuk pic.twitter.com/Znx0Axkujy
— Robbie Lammas (@RobbieLammas) February 28, 2019
Medway Labour (36 candidates)
**Medway Poll** – Have @MedwayTories housing , regeneration and planning policies wrecked urban areas of Medway? #polloftheday
— Tris Osborne (@cllrtrisosborne) February 14, 2019
This week I took on #alanjarrett on @bbcradiokent discussing @MedwayCouncil record on #housebuilding – he was full of excuses it’s clear @MedwayTories have no vision or ambition when it comes to taking on this challenge, while 600 of Medway’s children are homeless @natfednews pic.twitter.com/aSH9yQqztL
— Naushabah Khan (@naushabahkhan) February 15, 2019
Our Annual Report in the news pic.twitter.com/9Ww5xEs1Y4
— Siju Adeoye (@sijuwadeade) February 15, 2019
Pleased to listen to real and genuine concerns this morning from #schoolstrike4climate #ClimateStrike activists. They raised many strong points.
— Vince Maple (@vincemaple) February 15, 2019
Highlighted great work from @MedwayLabour's @CllrAndyStamp on the issue of removing single use plastic from @medway_council pic.twitter.com/pwwBX7UGSd
Plenty of good conversations on the #LabourDoorstep in #GillinghamNorth this morning with @PatCoop91879588 and @AdamNthgill .
— Andy Stamp (@CllrAndyStamp) February 16, 2019
Residents grateful for our campaigns on Visitor Parking and to keep #Sunlight GP Surgery open.
We were so engrossed in chat, we forgot to get a photo!
Lovely #LabourDoorstep session in Princes Park this afternoon with a brilliant team of activists inc @sijuwadeade @OAyeni @DexHaven2 @cllrtrisosborne Marion & Steve along with Rav and Olu our @UKLabour @MedwayLabour candidates.#MedwayForTheMany#RebuildingMedway pic.twitter.com/hGEmLgQT1L
— Vince Maple (@vincemaple) February 16, 2019
Great afternoon out canvassing with your #GillinghamSouth Labour Councillors. Good reception on the doorstep with residents keen for change! Many annoyed at the way the Tories treat #GillinghamSouth -We reported flytipping and Pothole issues#Labourdoorstep #RebuildingMedway pic.twitter.com/cuWNVrPXSO
— Gillingham & Rainham Labour (@GRLabour) February 16, 2019
It’s clear that @medway_council shows utter contempt towards the Residents of #GillinghamSouth. Bins not being emptied and public areas in a poor state . Do you think you would see this in Rainham or Hempstead. It’s time to vote the Tories out in May, #Gillingham deserves better! pic.twitter.com/qgoU4GAqoh
— Cllr Dan McDonald (@CllrDanMcD) February 16, 2019
Great to be out with Jordan Hartley and Chrissie Stamp in Carlton Road & Fourth Avenue this pm. ‘Nice to see 2 young candidates for Labour!’ to quote 1 resident pic.twitter.com/BVLiDCj0Z1
— Adam Price (@AdamNthgill) February 16, 2019
Thanks to all of the brilliant campaigners who gave up their Sundays to take our important message of a #MedwayForTheMany out on the #LabourDoorstep in sunny #RochesterWest today. #SocialistSunday pic.twitter.com/pZegC1wZ4L
— Cllr Alex Paterson (@ajpaterson) February 17, 2019
I'm sure throughout the #MedwayVotes19 election campaign there will be spelling mistakes in leaflets from all parties but bearing in mind the high profile of Gibraltar Farm this is not a great look from @MedwayLibDems!!! pic.twitter.com/OJCr2vEYfl
— Vince Maple (@vincemaple) February 17, 2019
He can't help it.
— Cllr Alex Paterson (@ajpaterson) February 18, 2019
Im completely owning my funny tinge #bme #funnytinge and I’m not talking about my jacket #AngelaSmith pic.twitter.com/fkLPZtX58M
— Naushabah Khan (@naushabahkhan) February 18, 2019
I know! Stories flooding in about certain age groups being turned away, because of the limited sessions numbers of people turning up sky high and the relationship between the staff and families quickly deteriorating
— Alexandra Chatfield (@AlexandraChatf1) February 18, 2019
From the archives… an exchange with @KellyTolhurst's parliamentary assistant, who was out canvassing for suspended racist Tory councillor Mike Franklin, years after his disgusting tweets were exposed and debated in front of his MP boss at full council. https://t.co/au4f3dbYDO
— Cllr Alex Paterson (@ajpaterson) February 19, 2019
Hi all, I’ve been looking for the Medway Local Plan, but it seems Medway hasn’t had a new one since 2003! Is this right? pic.twitter.com/WMSYjnkeOy
— Tony Scudder (@MrTonyScudder) February 19, 2019
No Andrew. I think you are a nasty piece of work. It’s the real thing. You don’t have to be careful around me. You just have to stop following me like a puppy.
— Cllr Alex Paterson (@ajpaterson) February 19, 2019
Success! We are setting up a parent forum for all Gillingham hub children’s centre! Stay tuned for dates!
— Alexandra Chatfield (@AlexandraChatf1) February 19, 2019
The government are threatening another blow to solar – just when we need to be ramping up our clean power. They’ve opened a consultation to find out what we think of their plans. Tell them to support solar now. https://t.co/EefKDltLFs
— Clive Johnson (@ClivJoh) February 19, 2019
Nice of you to visit Strood South! (Admittedly only just in South)
— Anthony Hill (@AnthonyMMHill) February 19, 2019
However, I'd be keen to hear your views on the market? And the reduction to only Tuesdays.
Many residents are disappointed that the popular Saturday market is now no longer on offer in #Strood pic.twitter.com/RySeyQHUpo
Whatabout that whataboutery?
— Cllr Alex Paterson (@ajpaterson) February 19, 2019
Shall we talk about you and @CllrStuartT's staunch defence of golliwog dolls being sold at a council-run market in November, Andrew? Frankly (Franklin-ly?) I think @SayeedaWarsi and @BrandonLewis need to drain the @MedwayTories cesspit which spawned you & your suspended colleague pic.twitter.com/2GtqpquCBB
— Cllr Alex Paterson (@ajpaterson) February 19, 2019
Two Conservative Strood North candidates posing for a photo at Commercial Road car park in Strood South. @SteveIles you know your ward boundary lines? https://t.co/N3KX43BdSE
— Lindsey Burke (@Therantingmonk) February 19, 2019
Politics right now pic.twitter.com/2XuEPn0Lj0
— Naushabah Khan (@naushabahkhan) February 20, 2019
I think the idea that the political revolution is coming from the marginal far left died this week. May take a dark decade for @UKLabour to recover but there is only one it’ll happen. Move into the centre ground or witness centrists steal support.
— Tris Osborne (@cllrtrisosborne) February 20, 2019
Worth being aware when Tory candidates suggest another set of meetings with @medway_council where sitting members aren’t invited and absolutely nothing is resolved. https://t.co/QVD33PiYpv
— Tris Osborne (@cllrtrisosborne) February 21, 2019
I’m absolutely amazed by this. You are giving the contact details of a person *suspended* for racism by your National Chairman, and whom is not the candidate for your party and subject to investigation. Was this sanctioned? https://t.co/MP2irdwsBr
— Tris Osborne (@cllrtrisosborne) February 22, 2019
Great to visit Gillingham Baptist Church in Green Street and see their impressive new building and meet Stephen and the team. Also eat cake. pic.twitter.com/AdjfV55PR9
— Clive Johnson (@ClivJoh) February 23, 2019
Fantastic weather for a #LabourDoorstep session in #Gillingham North Ward today with fellow Councillors Pat Cooper & Adam Price, talking about Labour’s plans for our High Streets.
— Andy Stamp (@CllrAndyStamp) February 23, 2019
Lots of other issues to keep us busy: Sure Start cuts, Parking, dumped rubbish and overgrown trees! pic.twitter.com/AYkHlyW5Ue
Lucky that Medway has many varied High Streets and Town Centres. The sad reality is that all too often Tory Medway Council has let down our town centres with more than half of CCTV camera not working.@MedwayLabour will make sure our high streets are supported #ILoveMyHighStreet pic.twitter.com/YwjMKYEkhd
— Vince Maple (@vincemaple) February 23, 2019
Sunshine on the doorsteps at Princess Park a warm welcome and much Labour pride pic.twitter.com/DpdPoqtlep
— Joanne Howcroft-Scott (@HowcroftJoanne) February 23, 2019
Brilliant sunny day for #LabourDoorStep today in Rainham South Many residents have simply had enough of the @MedwayTories Administration pic.twitter.com/DUuYvsO4Kv
— Dave Carman (@lineation) February 23, 2019
Please not another Medway Tory council mistake we need best value for the people of Medway at least 3 quotes should be requested so much public money and mistakes being made already & half finished building projects. Please put out to tender? Makes common sense? No more mistakes.
— Joanne Howcroft-Scott (@HowcroftJoanne) February 23, 2019
Anyway, good to have you getting punchy again after your hissy fit and refusal to repeat Conservancy Building lies for TV cameras in my earshot. If you don’t like your humbug and hypocrisy being called out, along with your slavish obedience to Alan Jarrett, stay off my timeline.
— Cllr Alex Paterson (@ajpaterson) February 24, 2019
Together in Luton and Wayfield great doorstep response pic.twitter.com/7JvY5d9smJ
— Joanne Howcroft-Scott (@HowcroftJoanne) February 24, 2019
Powerful comments from @Andrew__Kennedy on @BBCRADIOKENT @lembitopik regarding Mental Health, particularly for those involved in politics.
— Vince Maple (@vincemaple) February 24, 2019
All political parties need to keep working on this – pleased with progress made on ALC @LabourCllrs Executive for support for Councillors.
Welcome to 21st Century banking on Rochester High St…#ILoveMyHighStreet #LoveYourHighStreet #RebuildingBritain #ForTheMany pic.twitter.com/GZFDSYbV9R
— Cllr Alex Paterson (@ajpaterson) February 24, 2019
Remember folks. 2018 #CastleConcerts were an unmitigated and avoidable disaster which meant taxpayers subsidised every ticket by £26 and @MedwayTories said “nothing to do with us, guv”. This year, desperate to ride the wave of any positive outcome. You can’t have it both ways.
— Cllr Alex Paterson (@ajpaterson) February 24, 2019
Great conversations with traders and shoppers on Rochester High St today and yesterday, about issues facing small businesses and what a Labour-run council and Labour government would do for our high streets. #RochesterWest #LabourDoorstep #ILoveMyHighStreet #LoveYourHighStreet pic.twitter.com/t2ZZtWp6VK
— Cllr Alex Paterson (@ajpaterson) February 24, 2019
Looking forward to meeting with Licensed Taxi drivers this Wednesday evening , should be plenty to discuss pic.twitter.com/D7E0d0e0ZO
— Cllr Dan McDonald (@CllrDanMcD) February 25, 2019
Might as well let them take Sudetenland as well. That will show 'em
— Harinder Singh (@Harinder__Singh) February 26, 2019
In my life I've seen shit through the letter box, been punched, spat at, told to go home and the usual casual stuff. And I've only been around for the relatively nice years. My parents refuse to tell me what they experienced. Facsists marching in the streets? Nah thanks.
— Harinder Singh (@Harinder__Singh) February 26, 2019
Didn’t “have to say that” at all. This is straightforward stuff. I’m sure methods used to send Blackshirts packing in Battle of Cable Street weren’t pretty. But to apply Trumpian “bad people on both sides” relativism to this issue, at this time, here of all places, is disgusting.
— Cllr Alex Paterson (@ajpaterson) February 26, 2019
I find the EDLs message of hatred and violence towards my faith deeply scary. To think that people are simply walking by and watching sends a powerful message that no one things what they stand for is wrong- a tacit agreement. Absolutely believe in peaceful protest.
— Naushabah Khan (@naushabahkhan) February 26, 2019
Does that make them any less or more intimidating? As a Muslim I am ashamed that this is happening in my country. Why should I be made to feel like a second class citizen
— Naushabah Khan (@naushabahkhan) February 26, 2019
@gloriaopara what does this mean? Are you making a comment about our residents or your administration which seems to hate those who are less well off? @MedwayLabour https://t.co/pPvVohrLWp
— Naushabah Khan (@naushabahkhan) February 26, 2019
After crazy Tory plans to resite our coach park on the Esplanade Gardens, then New Rd, this is the best outcome for residents in #RochesterWest. But we must listen to drivers' concerns about facilities, to ensure continued flow of visitors to our High St. https://t.co/qOZX5EK3lU pic.twitter.com/8LUakYxQFo
— Cllr Alex Paterson (@ajpaterson) February 27, 2019
What an amazing turnout at tonight’s Medway Taxi Driver meeting . Over 250 drivers giving their time to come together to fight UBER and to campaign against threats to their livelihoods .This movement will grow and their voices will and must be heard! We will be at their side! pic.twitter.com/FEP2vJmkFw
— Cllr Dan McDonald (@CllrDanMcD) February 27, 2019
Someone asked me, why politics? I grew up under Tory Gov where my family of 6 lived in cramped b&b, 1-2 other. Unable to access kitchen facilities for proper family meal etc before local council gave us a permanent place to live on a fourth floor flat with no lift #fight4change pic.twitter.com/af5dYcCW7E
— Siju Adeoye (@sijuwadeade) February 28, 2019
Lots of positive policies and a demand that a new generation has its chance for change > pic.twitter.com/ji83RDFzWg
— Tris Osborne (@cllrtrisosborne) February 25, 2019
Medway Liberal Democrats (5 candidates)
Revenue? I take it you meant capital spending. It is a strange world when the Tories are arguing in favour of increasing the long term debt profile of the council.
— John Castle (@JohnCastle4) February 25, 2019