Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell has expressed concern after turnout in the recent Mayoral election slumped to just 31%. This was the second time North Tyneside voters were asked to vote within six weeks and of nearly 150,000 only 43,000 chose to do so.

Alan Campbell says urgent steps must be taken to encourage people to use their vote and give legitimacy to those who are elected.

Alan Campbell said he has three major concerns. The first was the actual low turnout that saw 7 out of 10 voters decide not to bother. Secondly he said low turnout gave increased opportunity to extreme parties like the National Front, which could do well by default if mainstream supporters failed to turn out. Thirdly the use of traditional polling stations open from 8am to 9pm did little to attract participation, and in the case of schools which closed for each election day is a scandalous loss of vital teaching time.

Alan Campbell said “I have very great concerns about turnout trends locally which may or may not have an effect on their elections. Democratic politicians can sit back contentedly and watch turnout tumble. It demeans the political process and it questions the legitimacy of candidates in a low poll. I will be raising these matters with the relevant Minister and I will be urging the local authority, which has a clear responsibility, in this matter, to do more.”