Emma Lewell MP: The best political debates are policy-focused and respectful

All areas across South Tyneside will be electing three councillors per ward. This is the first time all 54 seats are to be elected since 2004 and is known as an ‘all out’ election.

These elections decide the future makeup of our council, not of Parliament. I know that many people are aware of this, but some seem not to be. The next General (Parliamentary) Election is scheduled for 2029. Local elections have no bearing on who your MP is, or who the Government is.

It is no secret that I love being out talking to constituents. Since I first stood to be your MP in 2013, I have knocked on doors every other Saturday and, during General Election campaigns, all day every day for weeks on end. I have always been clear that I cannot be your representative and your voice in Parliament if I don’t seek out every opportunity to ask for your views. There isn’t a street in South Shields that I haven’t ‘door- knocked’, multiple times.

In all election campaigns I enjoy seeing candidates across South Shields out and about campaigning and receiving their election addresses through my door - especially those who speak positively about the changes they want to make to our area.

It is disappointing though that some people standing for election have taken this as an opportunity to attack political parties and personally attack other candidates instead of highlighting what they intend to do and what their own values are. This lack of tolerance, and a total condemnation of others’ views is not representative of the South Shields I know and love. The best political debates are policy-focussed and respectful.

To stand for and be elected to public office is one of the greatest honours. To have people put their faith and trust in you is a great responsibility. I hope in the weeks to come that campaigns in South Shields become more tolerant. After all, once these elections are over, we all remain neighbours.