Brian Coleman took great pleasure in being the returning officer for the General Election results in Barnet. It may or may not surprise you to hear that there were reports of late voting papers, queues at polling stations and other problems. I have already requested a meeting with Barnet Council to discuss the appalling conditions for the staff counting votes. They were accomodated in large marquees which were freezing cold, with no adequate heating. Staff were dressed for office conditions and some were frozen solid. It seems churlish for us candidates to moan, given that we could adjourn to the council offices for hot drinks and to thaw out, but it wasn't a pleasant experience.
It is normal for candidates to thank the returning officer for doing a good job. What should happen when such a fiasco ensues. In Sheffield there were also problems. The BBC reports that the returning officer has given up his £20,000 fee as a result of issues with the vote. I wonder if Councillor Coleman received a fee as returning officer? If he did, I wonder if he has any intention of following the honourable example of the his Sheffield counterpart? I await an announcement.
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