THE Knutsfordian is in something of a post-May Day slump.

The sunny weather has been replaced by downpours, the conviviality and community spirit is slightly dampened, and exam season is upon our young people.

It is, therefore, no surprise that The Knutsfordian has turned his attention to next week’s European Elections.

Last week Stewart ‘very concerned of Knutsford’ Gardiner wrote to the Knutsford Guardian and waxed lyrical about why people should be wary of the Farage party’s ‘sharp-suits and Colgate-smiles’ when deciding who to vote for in the European elections.

It is The Knutsfordian’s opinion that people would do well to look beyond the ‘sharp-suits and Colgate-smiles’ of all political parties as the electorate is well and truly in a spin of soundbite and platitude.

The Knutsfordian does, however, welcome the fact that someone is sufficiently interested in the elections to write a letter.

Thus far in the European Elections campaign, The Knutsfordian has received but two missives from two of the 11 parties fielding a total of 83 candidates in the north west.

The Knutsfordian finds the way of voting, for the party not the individual, to be annoying.

The parties rank their candidates from one to eight so if, for instance, The Knutsfordian liked the ‘ban socks with sandals’ party’s fourth ranked candidate but did not like the first ranked, he would have to hope the first four ranked were all winners under the D’Hondt system of proportional representation used in these elections.

The Knutsfordian appreciates the arguments in favour of proportional representation but, like many other men, and women, in the street, finds the process extremely complicated.

Although tempted to ignore the European elections, The Knutsfordian feels it is his civic duty to cast his vote even if he is unsure as to the eventual outcome.

PS On a brighter and, hopefully, sunnier note, The Knutsfordian welcomes the news that the Knutsford Promenades returns to the town on Saturday, July 5.

The Knutsfordian is hunting for a lightweight Victorian outfit in which to promenade.

PPS Knutsfordians bade farewell to outgoing Town Mayor Clr Barbara Coan.

Her efforts during her term raised a huge sum for her nominated charities, the Knutsford Lions and Cheshire Search and Rescue.

The Knutsfordian doffs his cap in congratulation.

The Knutsfordian welcomes the selection of the new Mayor, Clr Neil Forbes, and looks forward to hearing more about his plans for Knutsfordians during the coming year.