As some die-hard Tories have been singing Maria's praises on HedgeEndPeople this afternoon, in an organised campaign. Can I balance that by explaining my reservations about voting for her...?

1. I remember an ill-judged election flyer from 12 months ago, which portrayed her as a working Mum and suggesting we should vote for her because of that. Er, no Maria. 50% of the population are blokes and that isn't going to work. You're representing working blokes too, representing grumpy old white van men like me...!

2. Whenever the problem of unemployment crops up, Maria refers to the Eastleigh job club. We don't need free stationery, stamps, access to computers, a coffee machine and a hug. I just find that whole idea patronising. We actually need more decent jobs and fewer immigrants taking them...!

3. Maria is a disabled rights campaigner. OK its a reasonable cause and I don't want to knock it, but I just sense it is to the exclusion of some other very important matters...!

4. And I'm old enough to remember the pain of the Thatcher era, with Tories eventually thrown out of No10 because of their arrogance and insensitivity (and sleaze: remember former Eastleigh MP Stephen Milligan...?!!). 13 years later, despite the catastrophe of the Labour Government, I'm not persuaded the Tories have changed sufficiently.

So there it is. A straight answer. Why I wouldn't vote Maria (or have a "Vote Maria" board in my front garden - Paul), unless she persuades me otherwise over the next few days...

... or I decide to vote Tory for tactical reasons (and keep my fingers crossed), purely to prevent Gordon's fourth term...!

The Hedge End People forum is all yours Maria, if you want to comment personally. Here's your chance to convince me...!!