Facebook group opposes Bercow vote (From Bucks Free Press)

Facebook group opposes Bercow vote

5:17pm Tuesday 4th May 2010

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A FACEBOOK group has been launched opposing the three main parties’ decision not to stand against Commons speaker John Bercow in Buckingham.

Founder Graham Lee, of Whiteleaf, hopes the ‘Speak Out’ group will change the arrangements around the speakers’ constituency after Thursday’s election.

Click the link at the bottom of this story to visit the group.

The three main parties are not opposing Mr Bercow as this is ‘tradition’ – though he faces 10 challengers at the ballot box from smaller parties and independents.

It comes as the Princes Risborough area moves into the constituency from Aylesbury.

Some 127 people have joined the group, set up last Thursday.

Mr Lee, a photographer, said: “As a disenfranchised voter we don’t get the opportunity to express our vote. That is undemocratic and that is unfair.”

The 44-year-old said he previously had voted Conservative and wanted it to be addressed by the creation of a small constituency that would always be held by the speaker.

Mr Bercow – who is standing as an independent – has urged voters to back him as he will work hard to address constituents concerns and has good access to ministers.

Yet Mr Lee, of Upper Icknield Way, said: “You also want someone who represents your political point of view. It is about having a vote for the party of your choice.”

This was particularly pressing given the uncertain outcome of Thursday’s poll, he said, as ‘every vote counts’.

Aylesbury voters in Princes Risborough were today split between the main three parties – but Buckingham voters said they too were angry about them not putting forward candidates.

Listen to their views below.

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