Choice is the big word of the moment in political circles, with both main parties offering a variety of options.
Faced with an unenviable record of failing to improve public services after over 7 years in government Labour have fallen back on their old election mantra of education, education, education.
Labour claim to be offering the choice between good schools and failing schools. In reality of course this is no choice at all, for parents tend to send their children to the closest school and run foul of the system if they try anything else.
Labour say they plan to make all schools better. But surely we should be asking them why it is taking so long!
After 7 years in government and 66 tax rises we still have too many schools which are not up to standard. Nation-wide we still have 30% of children leaving primary school with below standard skills in reading and writing.
In Medway we have achieved a high standard in education. When the government cut Medways education funding your Conservative councillors stepped in and made up the difference.
Labour are certainly consistent—whether it be at Westminster or Medway. The government cut funding for schoolchildren, and local Labour councillors voted against replacing the funding.
Fortunately Conservatives carried the vote, and our schools go from strength to strength as a result.