Ann Widdecombe might have started the countdown for her retirement but she is on a mission to sway the non-voting public before she leaves Parliament.
The Maidstone and Weald MP has agreed to take part in a three-week experiment to become the People’s Politician in an attempt to reach out to those who have turned their backs on politics.
The initiative, launched today, will allow residents to contact the Tory MP via a new website and mobile phone service to have their say on issues they feel are important and should be addressed in Parliament.
Ms Widdecombe, who will step down at the General Election next year, said: “I am interested in what people have to say and I want to them to know their views are important.
“I want to know why people aren’t voting. It’s in their interest to vote.
“I would feel the experiment had failed if it is only the same people who have already contacted me, if I hear from the group that can’t see the point of voting at all then I would consider it a success.”
“If it works, which I hope it does, then perhaps we can all learn from it.”
Ms Widdecombe believes the main issues that will be put forward by her constituents will be the state of hospitals and public transport, and major planning concerns – such as Kent International Gateway – which she is firmly against.
The aim of the People’s Politician experiment, run by the BBC, is to improve the public’s connection with politicians following a breakdown of affection and trust during previous years.
At the last General Election, about 34 per cent of those who registered in Maidstone and Weald did not vote – slightly more than 25,000 people. Across the country about 17 million who registered chose not to vote.
The outspoken MP said that the recent expenses scandal made a giant dent in the Government’s reputation.
The Conservative MP said: “Politics is in crisis, and for once I can say I am looking forward to retiring next year, I used to think it would be a sad time, but with the way things are at the moment I am looking forward to it.
“But the BBC believes it can encourage those who don’t vote to change and I am willing to see if their right. I am looking forward to it.”
To keep people up-to-date with the experiment the Maidstone MP will be writing a blog using social networking site Twitter and filming a video diary to explain what MPs actually do.
She said: “I will be twittering tweets and posting regular videos to show people that when they see rows of empty green seats in the chambers that MPs are still working – not being lazy.”
After the website has closed, Ms Widdecombe will publically decide what she will do in response to the issues raised, however residents will be able to call for action on any topic raised by petitioning their MP.
The sponsors of the most popular petitions will be invited to pitch their idea to Ms Widdecombe at a public meeting on Monday, December 14, at a location yet to be announced.
To have your say visit www.widdecombepp.com.
Ms Widdecombe’s usual website – www.annwiddecombe.com – will continue to run as normal.
POSTED: 25/11/2009 16:04:11
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