 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
What information can I get from the Candidate2010 database?
The Candidate2010 database includes information on UK parliamentary constituencies, the candidates standing in each seat and their party affiliations.
The main search option in the Candidate2010 is by constituency. By selecting a constituency from the drop-down menu, you can see the candidates running in your area and their views on Britain and the European Union. By clicking on a candidate’s name you can get more information on them, where available.
The ‘other search option’ allows more complex searches, for example by party or by individual candidate name.
More information on using the Candidate2010 database can be found at the help page.
You can access the Candidate2010 database here. (Username=guest ; Password=guest)
Where does your information come from?
The basic constituency, candidate and party information is in the public domain. For the specific candidate views on Britain and the EU, our preference is to use a specific declaration from the candidate themselves.
The best way to obtain this is if they are asked their views by a prospective constituent. That is why we are asking Candidate2010 supporters to help us by writing to their would-be MPs. See the Toolkit section for more information on how to do this.
In some cases, views of candidates and/or their parties are well known and we have used these to provide our own assessment. Candidate2010 supporters can also contribute to this process. We are, moreover, always willing to review our information since we recognize that individual views may change or be subject to misinterpretation.
Isn’t a candidate’s views on the EU likely to be included in their party’s manifesto?
Not necessarily. The Party manifestos are general statements of policy. Within the larger parties in particular considerable variation of views on the EU exist. Both the Labour and Conservative Parties, for example, have MPs whose views fall into all the five Candidate2010 categories.
My local candidate says they support their Party policy on the issue of Europe. Are there any further questions I can ask?
While a candidate is, of course, at liberty to say they simply support the party line on the issue of the EU, you may wish to test the candidate further by asking, for example, whether there are any circumstances under which they would support Britain leaving the European Union, or whether they would vote against Britain joining the euro currency zone even if that were the policy of their party. Please feel free to forward any correspondence to us at Candidate2010.
Will you delete a candidate’s information if they object to it being included?
No. Candidates who are putting themselves forward for election as the people’s representatives have no right to anonymity on a subject as vital as Britain’s future position in the EU. And, as constituents are electing an individual to represent them, asking candidates their personal views on the EU is entirely reasonable.
We will of course correct any factual errors and include a candidate’s explanation of their position if asked to do so.
Isn’t the ‘stars’ rating system an over-simplification?
It is certainly a simplification, but this is necessary to be able to offer results in a consistent manner. We recognize that this can lead to apparent contradictions, for example a candidate who supports further European integration, but who favours a referendum on the issue might score four stars, despite not being a ‘eurosceptic’. Where possible, we expand upon a candidate’s position in the candidate profile of the database, and are always keen to hear explanations of a candidate’s position.
Why can’t I find the constituency I am looking for in the Candidate2010 database?
Some constituencies have disappeared or changed their names as a result of boundary re-organizations. If you need to find which constituency you live in, please visit http://www.theyworkforyou.com.
Somewhat surprisingly, there is no firm consistency around the naming of some constituencies, particularly where geographical signifiers are included. Thus, for example, ‘Norfolk North’ may also appear as ‘North Norfolk’.
Why can’t I find the MP or candidate I am looking for in the Candidate2010 database?
The list of candidates is compiled from publicly available records, including those published by the political parties themselves. Some MPs do not appear as they are standing down, because their constituencies have changed, or because they have not yet been adopted as candidates. All candidates are entitled to have their views listed in Candidate2010. If we have omitted a candidate, please help us complete our records by filing a return.
Why have you listed candidates from extremist parties?
Candidate2010 seeks to list candidates from all parties, regardless of their views. We do not take sides nor do we endorse the candidates of any particular party.
Can I change the information on a candidate in my area?
You cannot directly modify the Candidate2010 database, but you can file a return or write to us.
The European Union poll on Candidate2010 is sponsored by the Campaign for an Independent Britain (CIB), the cross-party campaigning group that believes that Britain should leave the European Union. It is the oldest ‘eurosceptic’ group in the EU. It is not a political party, does not run candidates of its own, and does not endorse any particular political party. You can find out our more about CIB at http://www.eurosceptic.org.uk.
Doesn’t the fact that Candidate2010 is funded by a eurosceptic organization diminish your claims to impartiality?
No. Candidate2010 simply provides public information on an important area of policy that would otherwise be overlooked in the election. We do not recommend how anyone should vote. If a candidate believes we have mis-represented their position, they are very welcome to let us know and, if appropriate, we shall amend our records.
You can help us by taking a look at your constituency’s candidates in our database. If the information is incomplete or inaccurate, please write to your candidates seeking an explanation of their views, and using this information to file a return. There is more information at our Toolkit section.
You can file a return by email, fax or post.
How do I contact the candidates in my constituency?
Most candidates are naturally very keen to publicize themselves. They are likely to be quoted in local papers and websites. You can usually write to them c/o their local party office or to their email address. (During the election itself it is best NOT to write to MPs at the House of Commons, as the Commons will not be sitting.) You may also be able to find the names of local candidates from party political websites.
Can I make a donation towards the work of Candidate2010?
Yes please! Please visit our donations page.