I suggest that this thread now be closed as though it started as a discussion on what an MP should do as part of their job, it's turned into some kind of strange vendetta.

If not a vendetta, it is certainly a post that "lowers the soul" and is probably best closed. The alternative is of course not to log onto the Jim Dowd MP thread (its a shame that I will not see any replies to this post).

'Turned into' a vendetta?

It was one from the start, and should be deleted.

...but, before it is, a quick reminder that you can question Jim (and the Conservative, Lib Dem and Green parliamentary candidates for Lewisham West and Penge) in the flesh at the Churches Together in Sydenham and Forest Hill election forum next Thursday - 7.30 pm at the Living Springs International Church, on the South Circular just round the corner from Forest Hill station. The Bishop of Woolwich, Christopher Chessun, will be in the chair. See http://www.ctsfh.org.uk for more details.

As I haven't been swayed by Piglets arguments, I'll be voting for Jim Dowd.

Oh I'm looking forward to the hustings....

Roz

I did not put forward arguments so you have nothing to be swayed by.

Perhaps you could list five reasons why we should vote for Dowd.

One of Jim's canvassers told me that he has three people in his office to help him answer all letters. Some letters go astray in the post. If you did not get a reply, I suggest that you write again.

Sherwood

Three people to respond to letters seems excessive but explains the 100k salary bill.

If that's the case why does it take more than three months to receive a reply?

Emails do not go astray so I wonder what the excuse is for ignoring email communications.

Because they're a figment of your imagination?

correct

Great to see Gordon visiting a local store of ASDA on sky news at the moment.

How often does Mr Dowd tour his Constituency and visit local traders?

I've had no problems. I've corresponded with Jim Dowd on and off for some time and he usually (probably always) gets back to me. Some stuff is passed to the relevant government department, others answered by party workers, and some is clearly hands-on. Sometimes I write in support, sometimes I have major issues.

I was not impressed by the labour party in Lewisham over a planning issue, and wrote to the Mayor who just ignored me. Jim Dowd responded but not in a particularly helpful way. So I had a great rant when I had a recent election leaflet. Hats off as I got an almost immediate reply from John Paschoud, who I guess realised that my rant was in good sprit.

On the kissing babies and being seen in local shops, Jim Dowd has a role with the shop local lobby - so it would be good to see him in the independent stores.

Where is the 'local' Asda to Downing Street?

I thought he went to one in Weymouth. Surely there must be one nearer to home? Are his kid not decked out in 'George from Asda' as are everyone elses?

Seems he's been to quite a few Asdas in the last few weeks. What is it about Asda's I wonder. Some appropriate demographic shops there?
I can't think of one in south London, something which has always disturbed me.

There is an asda on old kent rd, not too far from Downing Street,geographically at least.

Unfortunately the Old Kent Road disturbs me. Too many Sun readers.

There's one at Clapham Junction as well, though that disturbs me, too many yummy mummies who will sue you for walking on the same stretch of pavement that their darling offspring might want to tread on in a few moments' time.

I am not up to speed with the Asda comments. I actually prefer Tescos due to the blue and white stripes.

But back to my earlier point - JD was on the all party group looking at the future of small shops suggesting he should shop locally:
news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/15_02_06_highstreet.pdf