SPEAKER'S CORNER: Sheila Gunn
Sheila Gunn was a Conservative councillor for Belsize between 2002 and 2006 and is a lecturer on government and politics at The City University. She thinks the Conservatives will win nationally and locally although Glenda Jackson will be tough to beat.
Sheila Gunn was a Conservative councillor for Belsize between 2002 and 2006 and is a lecturer on government and politics at The City University.
She thinks the Conservatives will win nationally and locally although Glenda Jackson will be tough to beat.
"The Conservatives will win but it will be a dirty fight," she said. "They will get an overall majority but not a very big one.
"I do not think a hung parliament is in the British psyche. They want decisive results rather than deals behind closed doors after an election.
"What alarms me at the moment is the standards of political debate are so low that I hear Labour people going out and telling lies and lies which they know are lies.
"That started back in 1997 when they were telling pensioners they would not get a pension if the Conservatives won. That is why I am pleased there will be these televised debates.
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"Crime and the fear of crime will be a talking point as well as the economy. Transport is also a huge issue, particularly for the council elections.
"A big thing nationally and locally is cutting back on public services - having much more efficiency while protecting frontline services. The Lib Dems won't win - Chris Philp will win in Hampstead and Kilburn.
"The Labour vote will collapse nationally but getting Labour out here will be difficult.
"Glenda Jackson has got a certain personal vote.
"She has been effective in being an opposition MP within the governing party.
"It is about how much the Labour vote goes to the Liberal Democrats which I don't think will be that great.
"I have difficulty in calling the council elections but Labour will do particularly badly.
"It will be a fight between the Conservatives and the Lib Dems.
"What are interesting are the minority parties. I think the Greens could do quite well and I would not be surprised if they are a couple more Green councillors in Camden.
