In 1832 the reform act was introduced to combat the system of rotten boroughs where one man could have many votes. Emancipation progressed and in 1969 the voting age was reduced to eighteen. A policy heavily promoted by “Screaming “ Lord Such and The Teenage Party.

Today we find ourselves in a retrograde position where students can vote in the city where their University is. In Bristol we have the bizarre situation where a student can move into temporary accommodation for three years and vote in the local elections. The ever-increasing student population puts pressure on a desperate housing situation.

These people will not meet the Bristolian diaspora who have been pushed to the outskirts of town. They will not become aware of our situation and aspirations for our hometown. They will inhabit a world apart and engage in a pseudo Bristol culture promoted by capitalist media. Just look at the way Bristol University portray our city on “Explore” Bristol. Our areas do not even get a mention.

Thus we have the creation of a new rotten borough with votes going to 20,000 strappers and still rising. As they depart and are replaced ,they will have no responsibility for their interference in our local democracy.

The damage will be done and more will be coming.