A miserable, wet and cold evening this week and I’m settling in for a warm night in front of the TV. A knock on the door. Who could this be at 7pm? Opening the door, I see a bearded gentleman clutching a sheath of leaflets. Good evening, he says, I’m sorry to disturb you but I’m Neil Harden, the Conservative candidate for your ward in Thursday’s local by-election. I’ve been all round Piccotts End this evening and noticed your house as I was walking back. I hope you don’t mind me calling in.

I think it’s only about the second or third time in 20 years here that anyone has canvassed my vote in person. Mr Harden explained some of the issues he was standing on, like reviving the fortunes of the Old Town high street, fighting to save The Bury and waging a war on anti-social behaviour. He was particularly critical of the Lib Dems for cancelling this year’s Halloween event in the Old Town, something which I readily concurred with.

Could he count on my vote, he asked. Well, I said, I’m one of your floating voters. I didn’t even know there was a by-election, so I’m not sure if I’ll vote or who I’ll vote for.

After he left, I made my decision. Being a local councillor is a pretty thankless job. Anyone who’s prepared to make the effort to doorstep dozens of houses on such a rotten night in the hope of becoming one deserves my support! I was pleased to see that Mr Harden was duly elected.