OnTheWight always welcomes a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below.
This from Leo Harverson, Cowes. Ed
On Friday evening, Bob Seely the Conservative candidate in my constituency (Isle of Wight West) posted on his official Facebook page regarding his track record on influencing local policing strategies. In the facebook post, Bob sought to portray a positive image of his actions re. policing in his time as my MP. The post also included reference to his fellow Conservative Party member and colleague, Donna Jones, our local Police and Crime Commissioner.
Challenged their credibility
I commented and responded directly to that post, citing Bob’s own breach of Covid lockdown laws (which inexplicably went unpunished) and the resulting impact of his actions on eroding public confidence in the so called ‘Nolan Principles’.
I also expressed doubt about the credibility of a Police service and effectiveness of the PCC role when the law isn’t applied equally or equitably. Even Rishi Sunak faced a fine, and he maintained his innocence. Conversely, Bob openly admitted he broke the law, but apparently wasn’t reprimanded.
Blocked for holding to account
Despite the reasonableness in my challenge, Bob and/or his campaign team chose to block my Facebook profile, rather than engage with my comment or seek to defend his record with any counterargument.
It has always seemed patently obvious to myself and many others that on matters of law enforcement, Bob Seely lost his claim to any legitimacy the day he broke a law intended to promote public safety and curtail a global pandemic.
On the NHS frontline during the height of Covid
I am a registered care professional with an NHS career of over 15yrs. During those dark days of the pandemic, and with the support of innumerable and exceptional NHS colleagues, I managed the patient safety response of a large NHS trust (off Island).
It was brutal, with many of the safety investigations I oversaw being focussed on the importance of adhering to the lockdown as a means of limiting the spread of the virus. My criticism of Bob Seely is therefore grounded in lived experience (where harm and/or death were a real consequence). My challenge to Bob is not a simple matter of political ideology or partisanship.
Always take a reasonable approach
Some of your readers may recognise my name as a regular contributor to the comments on Bob Seely’s social media posts. Throughout I have sought to maintain a reasonable approach – avoiding petty challenge and consistently seeking to hold Bob to account on his record. I have sought to challenge him with the maturity, civility and politeness that I would extend to anyone in his position as a public servant.
I have avoided the pettiness of name-calling, or groundless personal attacks. On occasion I have even corrected those unfairly attributing or misrepresenting facts about Bob – actions which might be construed by some of his more vociferous critics as me defending him. I am nothing if not fair.
Urge voters to think twice
So when I say that my challenges to Bob have been made with fairness and a clear conscience, they truly are. Bob or his team may wish to dismiss my words as mere ‘trolling’, but I can say that my criticism is delineated by his actions, and it’s certainly not a social media triviality.
I urge fellow voters in the Isle of Wight West constituency to bear this sorry episode in mind when they encounter Bob Seely on the campaign trail. Consider why Bob and/or his team has deemed it necessary, let alone appropriate, to block and silence a challenge rather than address it.
