FOLLOWING Durham’s county council elections, a curious if not unexpected picture emerges.

Those tired of party politics and politicians have voted independent: UK Independence, Derwentside Independents, Spennymoor Independents etc. On one Independent candidate’s leaflet he put “People before Politics” as an explanatory expression.

There appear to be fewer people following their family’s traditional voting patterns, although voters swapping to Conservative seem to be putting self before community.

Theresa May is doing a reverse of Tony Blair. Blair cynically out-Toried the Tories for three terms in government, and May hopes to retain power by professing to represent "the people who are just getting by". Everything changes, and everything stays the same.

I have a guilty confession. Like many in 1979, I wondered whether Margaret Thatcher, or any woman, would do a better job. Luckily, flu prevented me from voting. That night I watched TV’s The Incredible Hulk through bleary eyes.

Election fever? My North-East conscience is clear.

Steve Lawson, Tow Low