IAN HART: Will a snap General Election benefit the country?

There’s no real doubt that if a General Election were called in the next few weeks or months, it would result in an emphatic win for the Tories.

Jeremy Corbyn is arguably the biggest asset the Conservatives have had since Michael Foot, the Lib Dems are still recovering from their brief flirtation with power while UKIP appear to be turning out to be a political version of The Emperor’s New Clothes.

But while a large majority is a clear mandate from the people, a weak opposition which lacks credibility is not good for the country.

The same can be said locally. I’ve no doubt that everyone on Worthing council has the best interests of the town at heart, but it’s a worry that the opposition parties could currently hold meetings in a telephone box (before they all disappear – phone boxes, that is, not politicians).

The other issue over going to the polls nationally would be the expense to the tax payer – the various political parties have to raid their coffers at election time, but there is also a cost to the public purse.

The Conservatives have a clear Westminster majority that will see them through to the next scheduled General Election in 2020.

With Government cuts still very much on the agenda, would the money be better used elsewhere?

The Brexit scenario was never going to be plain sailing, but even as someone who voted to remain I think, as a nation, we made a decision and now it’s up to the politicians to see the process through.

And while a bigger majority in Westminster would be a distinct advantage for Mrs May, would it really be the best thing for the country as a whole at this time?

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